Very few in their dream job

Are you working in your dream job? If so, you’re one of the very few.

More than half of workers in Ireland knew what their dream job was as a child (56 per cent), although just one in ten now work in that job, a new survey by Matrix Recruitment has found.

The 2022 Matrix Recruitment Dream Job Survey of more than 800 adults in Ireland looked at a range of career-related topics and shifting attitudes towards work since the pandemic.

It also found that 65 per cent of Ireland’s workers regret not chasing their dream job.

Financial security

With the pandemic impacting the way in which many people now work, the survey revealed the real impact of Covid-19 on people’s career decisions. 51 per cent of those surveyed said the pandemic has directly influenced their choices and of those: • 23 per cent said they stayed in a job they did not like for financial security, while seven per cent left their job because of the impact of the pandemic on their sector • 18 per cent left a job they disliked agreeing that life is too short to stay unhappy • Almost one in ten changed jobs to spend more time with family and the same percentage left to pursue their dream job

Half of workers no longer happy

More than half of Ireland’s workforce (55 per cent) has fallen out of love with their job in the past 12 months, an increase of 12 per cent on last year’s findings. Among the key reasons for career goal re-evaluation were: • Feeling stuck in a rut and in need of a change (48 per cent) • Wanting a job that allows more flexibility (32 per cent) • Not being paid enough (37 per cent) Two in five people (42 per cent) say they would consider changing jobs this year if the right opportunity came along and a third say they are actively looking to move jobs this year.

33 per cent left job during pandemic

One-third of people left their jobs during the pandemic, 78% of whom did so voluntarily, and the reasons were varied. • 36% of respondents said they were unhappy in their work, while 28% cited that it didn’t provide a good work/life balance • 23% of respondents said they left their job due to stress-related issues; 8% left over concerns of contracting Covid-19 • 11% opted for a new job that would allow them to work remotely and 11% decided to relocate

Low confidence and regrets

Two-thirds of those surveyed regret not chasing their dream job and of those, almost one-quarter said a lack of confidence prevented them from doing so. Of those impacted by low confidence, the overwhelming majority (83 per cent) are women.

Speaking about the findings, Matrix Recruitment’s Joanne Foley said: “Our experience supports the findings and while things are changing, it’s really disheartening to witness the apprehension still felt by many women, particularly if applying for senior roles for which they are clearly qualified. As recruiters, we always try to support and encourage as much as possible but often we find that the lack of confidence is caused by personal experiences, such as being overlooked for a role previously, being paid less than a male colleague in a similar role or returning to the workforce following a career break to raise a family. Such factors can impede a person’s view of what they are capable of, and this is something that needs to change.”