The nationwide survey of 2,000 British workers, carried out by The National Lottery, has revealed the extent to which 2020 has forced people to reconsider their lifestyles, with jobs and careers coming out as the number one change people now want to make.
A whopping 73% of those polled in Cambridge said they now think life is too short to be working in a job they hate. A total of 35% said lockdown had made them realise how important a good work-life balance is and 33% said, on reflection, time in lockdown had made them come to the conclusion that they are not appreciated.
Top of the list of career changes people now desire in Cambridge is a charity worker (14%), closely followed by a teacher (12%) Meanwhile, 10% said they would like to retrain as an interior designer, gardener, care worker or social media influencer; a further 8% said they would like to be a novelist; 7% as a politician or shop assistant.
The National Lottery study also found that the biggest barriers to changing careers for people in Cambridge included a lack of confidence (47%). A total of 49% of those questioned said their biggest worry was having the necessary funds.
A staggering 70% of those polled in Cambridge said the events of 2020 have also made them reconsider their lifestyle and priorities.
A total of 75% have now pledged to become healthier, 47% said that lockdown had made them realise the importance of spending time with loved ones and 42% said they would love to travel the world as soon as it is possible.
The survey findings are revealed as the country prepares for today’s EuroMillions draw, (28 August) a rollover with an estimated whooping £126M jackpot up for grabs.
And it would appear the importance of careers for people in Cambridge wouldn’t change even after a big lottery win, with only one in three (35%) looking to quit their jobs if they win.
A total of 21% of people in Cambridge said they would start their own business if they won big; 14% would train for their dream job; 19% would train for their pilot licence and 36% would like to learn a new trade.
Commenting on the findings, Camelot’s Senior Winners’ Advisor, Andy Carter said, “2020 seems to have left many of us wanting more from our jobs, thinking about what our next career move might be or jacking it all in to do something that we really love.
“Our passion for gardening and cooking in lockdown and months of home-schooling has clearly inspired the nation to consider a career overhaul and realise the importance of job satisfaction.
“And the importance of our careers doesn’t appear to change even after a lottery win, with only a few looking to quit their jobs if they won big. Over half of National Lottery winners still work in some capacity and just under a quarter of them have started their own business after their win, turning their hand to floristry, hairdressing – we even have one that has invented their own spicy sauce!”
Top five new career ambitions for people in Cambridge are:
1. Charity worker 14%
2. Teacher 12%
3. Interior designer 10%
4. Gardener 10%
5. Care worker 10%