Almost half the Aussie workforce is considering a career change

SEEK research has revealed that 43 per cent of the Australian workforce are considering a career change in the next 12 months.

Kendra Banks, SEEK Spokesperson, said just under a third [29 per cent] of people are contemplating a career move is to either have a more fulfilling job [16 per cent] or to pursue their passions [13 per cent].

“Our SEEK study also uncovered that 74 per cent of people in the Australian workforce feel that their job has a big impact on their overall quality of life, and a similar proportion [71 per cent] believe their job has an impact on the emotional state of those closest to them,” continued Banks.

“This highlights the importance of people being in the right job as it affects not only themselves but the people around them too,” she added.

For someone thinking of changing career direction, having a taste of a job they're considering is a great way to know if it is the right fit for them. Skilled volunteering via SEEK Volunteer is one great way to do this.

“SEEK research has uncovered that 95 per cent of hirers regard skilled volunteering as a credible way for job seekers to gain work experience and skills,” said Banks.

Melbourne-based family man, Lee Tilloston, recently volunteered his time to gain work experience as a landscape gardener after his wife Tara helped organise the opportunity in partnership with SEEK.

“I support Lee 110 per cent to venture into a new career. I've told him that I've got his back,” said Tara Tilloston, who works in the insurance industry. “Lee needs to be happy at work, this is his life and he has to live it to the fullest,” she added.

Lee's first job was in plastics manufacturing, and 20 years later he remains in the industry. He gets satisfaction from doing a good job, although he no longer finds it challenging. But as a devoted dad, Lee has stayed to support his young family because of the security the job brings.

Currently, Lee works the afternoon shift [2pm-10pm] which limits the time he gets to spend with his wife and children.

“My family would be happier, if I was happier,” said Lee. “I think the kids pick-up on stress and while my job doesn't really stress me out, it's more not being around for them and not seeing my wife. It's not the ideal relationship when you spend half an hour together at night, and it's usually getting the kids lunches ready. There's no quality time during the week, with anyone, really,” Lee continued.

“I love gardening, landscape type stuff. That's what I'd love to be doing every day.

“I need to find that balance of family and work. In the next 10 years, I'd like to be coming home before dinner, and I'd like to be landscape gardening,” Lee concluded.

According to SEEK, two thirds of Australians have a family member who is dissatisfied with their job.

“When planning a career change, speaking with family and friends is a great way for a job seeker to explore their strengths and passions from a different perspective, to help them identify an industry and job that best suits their personality and skill-set to reach their full potential,” said Banks.

“Speaking with loved ones can also make an individual understand if their unhappiness in their current role is having an impact on their overall wellness and those around them,” said Banks.

“Another interesting finding our study revealed is that 40 per cent of people said they know someone who they feel isn't living up to their full-potential at work,” Banks added.

23-year-old Ned Wynen said he is grateful for having amazing family and friends that steer him in the right direction and help motivate and support him, especially when it comes to his career direction.

Ned said he fell into his current job as a Pharmacy Assistant after leaving high school.

“I was looking for part time work at the time and that's why I started working at the pharmacy, it just happened to be the job that I could get while I was needing work,” said Ned.

Four years later, William O'Gorman, one of Ned's best mates, believes it's time for Ned to start pursuing career opportunities in town planning, especially since Ned is near to completing a degree in Urban Planning.

“Working at the Chemist, Ned is just rolling at 30 per cent, we need to get him up to 95 per cent. He needs to get into town planning because that's what he's passionate about,” said William.

“Ned has already experienced a career false start. Prior to his Urban Planning studies, he completed a Bachelor Degree in Biological Science then decided the industry wasn't for him,” William added.

Ned's mother Marnie agrees with Ned's friend William.

“Ned is just earning an income by working at the pharmacy. If Ned could do anything in the future he'd be doing Town Planning.

“I want Ned to know that everyone believes in him, and he could actually go out there and get what he wants,” said Marnie Wynen.

Ned's family and friends along with SEEK, organised an opportunity for Ned to have a taste of what it's like to work as a town planner.

“Gaining experience at the town planning organisation was a fantastic opportunity for me. It increased my understanding of the industry, I met experts in the field and most importantly it made me realise that town planning is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” said Ned.

“I'm currently trying to secure a graduate position in Town Planning, or any job in the industry to help broaden my skill-set and experience,” he added.

SEEK research shows that it's common for Australians to change their career direction and it's not surprising that age plays a factor in the number of different careers people have.

“Our data shows that people in Australia are comfortable with the concept of having multiple careers, and will consider a change if their job is impacting their quality of life and those around them,” said Banks.

“Currently 38 per cent of people in the Aussie workforce have made one career change, while 29 per cent have made two, and a further 33 per cent have had three changes.

“Our SEEK research also uncovered that the older you are, the more likely you are to have made a career change. 78 per cent of 55-64-year-old Aussies have had a career change, compared to 62 per cent of 35-54-year-olds, and 43 per cent of people age between 18 to 34 years,” continued Banks.

For people who don't want to settle in their current job, online resources are another great tool to help people research their next move.

“SEEK.com.au has a terrific advice and tips section that provides guidance from experts and the latest jobs market data to help people make informed career decisions,” said Banks.

“Researching companies via SEEK Company Reviews can also assist people to gain a more in-depth understanding of a company they may like to work for and decide if the company and job is a good fit for them,” Banks concluded.