Nearly half of Brits don't believe their dream job exists, study finds

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Nearly half of working adults believe their dream job does not exist (Image: Accor)
Nearly half of working adults believe their dream job does not exist (Image: Accor)

Over half of Brits (54%) don't believe they will ever be in their dream job – as 46% feel their ideal career doesn't exist, according to a survey.

One in four employed adults (24%) feel their current job is not what they expected it would be – leading 71% to believe they are not in their dream role, or industry (64%).

And a poll of 2,000 workers found 32% have less job satisfaction than they expected to – with flexible working hours named as the top requirement for their ideal role.

Other job expectations included regular pay rises (45%), not being stuck behind a desk all day (26%), and no two days being the same (25%).

Meanwhile, one in five dream of having the chance to go to events, or the opportunity to travel (35%) – with 39% feeling dissatisfied with the amount of travel in their current job.

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However, 41% admit they have set unrealistic expectations for their dream role, according to the research.

It also emerged healthcare, creative arts and design, and leisure, sport, and tourism are the top industries employed adults feel their ultimate career would be in.

Nearly half of Brits don't believe their dream job exists, study findsTV personality Fred Sirieix is on a mission to change the perception of the hospitality industry (Accor)

The research was commissioned by Accor, to mark the launch of TV show, “Fred’s Last Resort” on E4, where young recruits will be put to the test within the demanding industry of luxury hospitality – resulting in one of them winning a life- and career-changing role with the brand.

It also found a third of those polled (32%) have worked in the hospitality industry at some point, and 60% were satisfied with the job.

However, 17% admitted they see the likes of working in a hotel, restaurant, or bar as a “stepping stone” career, and 16% are under the impression there is a lack of flexibility.

Fred Sirieix said: “The hospitality industry offers such great opportunities for people, which is why I am still so passionate about it and love it just as much as the first day I started.

“However, the sector has an image problem in the UK, and I’m on a mission to change that.

“Too many people see the industry as a stepping-stone at best, but most of them don’t appreciate how rewarding it can be. A true profession!”

The research also found that, of the age groups polled, the younger demographic of 18-24-year-olds are most willing to consider a career in hospitality (41%).

Nearly three in ten (29%), of 25-34-year-olds also would – compared to just 16% of the population as a whole.

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A spokesman for Accor said: “We all have an idea of what we want to do with our career when we start out, but often end up compromising – whether that’s on the hours, pay, or industry itself.

“The research shows that while people think their dream job doesn’t exist, a lot of the things people are looking for in their job now are very achievable – like having flexibility and variety, and simply enjoying their day-to-day role.

Nearly half of Brits don't believe their dream job exists, study findsMore than one in six Brits see the hospitality sector as a 'stepping stone' career (Accor)

“It’s true that hospitality has traditionally been poorly perceived in this country, but role models like Fred are doing a great job to change that.

“There is still a lack of awareness about where a hospitality career can take you, but as the survey suggests, we are seeing more interest from younger generations who are beginning to realise that their aspirations – whether they are about career progression, variety, travel, finances, flexibility, or just fun – can be easily met in the right hospitality setting.”

According to the study, the typical worker has been in their current role for eight years – but 41% aren’t earning as much as they’d like to be at this stage.

And 20% are frustrated they haven’t progressed further than they have, while 36% are dissatisfied with how much fun they have at work.

The OnePoll.com survey also found job enjoyment came top of the most important factors to people in their career (63%) – followed by the pay and benefits (61%), and flexibility (39%).

Fred Sirieix added: “I’ve always worked hard. I’m first in and last out, and I attribute a lot of my success to that work ethic.

“That pride in a job well done, and the hard work needed to get there, is what I’ve learnt in hospitality and, for me, is the key to career contentment and success, no matter what the sector.”

Fred’s Last Resort starts on E4 on March 14th.

TOP 40 THINGS WORKERS’ DREAM JOB WOULD INCLUDE:

  1. Flexible hours
  2. Strong financial rewards
  3. Regular pay rises
  4. Good employee benefits
  5. The opportunity to travel
  6. A fun team
  7. Varied day-to-day jobs
  8. Not sat at a desk all day
  9. No day being the same
  10. The opportunity to make people happy
  11. Unlimited holiday
  12. Free food/drinks
  13. Health/dental insurance
  14. The opportunity to be creative
  15. The opportunity to go to events
  16. The opportunity to work in other countries
  17. Having your birthday off without having to take annual leave
  18. Learning on the job
  19. The opportunity to regularly meet new people
  20. Discounts via employee benefits
  21. Casual uniform
  22. The opportunity to learn transferable skills
  23. Speaking face-to-face with people
  24. The opportunity to be proactive
  25. Not just Monday to Friday hours
  26. Quick career progression
  27. The opportunity to earn tips or bonuses
  28. The opportunity to take a sabbatical
  29. Parental benefits
  30. A work car
  31. Team “away days”
  32. Having genuine responsibility from early on in your career
  33. Allowed to bring your pet to work
  34. An on-site gym
  35. Regular social events with colleagues
  36. The opportunity to meet celebrities
  37. Nap rooms
  38. Planning events
  39. A work phone
  40. The opportunity to work days and nights

Martin Winter

Employment rights, Career ideas, Careers advice, E4

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