BECKHAM, TRAVOLTA AND MOSS ARE THE
ROLE MODELS FOR A WORKFORCE KEEN TO TURN BACK CAREER CLOCK
Superstars like David Beckham, John Travolta and Kate Moss are role models
for a workforce hankering after a new career, according to new research
published today by independent recruitment agency Pertemps.
Its findings show that four in five workers are not doing the jobs they
wanted as school leavers and more than a third would like to return
to education in order to start a new career.
Quizzing industrial workers across the country, Pertemps found that 38
per cent did not plan to stay in their present position long term, and
a similar number were keen to start their own businesses.
When asked about their ideal jobs, the traditional boyhood dream of becoming
a professional footballer like David Beckham and Michael Owen was the
top choice for 15 per cent of males.
Twelve per cent would like to follow John Travolta's lead at Qantas and
become an airline pilot. And a further seven percent hanker after his
other job as a Hollywood actor.
For women, following in the footsteps of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell
to become a fashion model was the number one dream for 15 per cent. Teaching
was the second most popular option, while being an actress and becoming
a TV presenter followed closely behind.
The most important criterion for a dream job for both sexes was good pay
(40 per cent). Excitement (24 per cent) and glamour (20 per cent) also
featured high on the list of priorities, while 19 per cent thought helping
others was the key consideration.
Tim Watts, chairman of Pertemps, said: "It is disturbing to find that
so many people feel unsettled at work and wish they could do something
else. While some highly sought-after jobs, such as professional sportsman
or pilot, may always remain a pipe dream, no one should feel they are
stuck in a rut.
"If you believe it is time for a change then investigate new opportunities.
You may be able to adapt your existing role or perhaps study part time
while you continue your present job. Either way, you may be surprised
by how far you can go in pursuing your dreams."
Pertemps offers the following top ten tips for making the switch:
- Plan carefully: work out where you are, where you want to be,
and what you need to get you there
- Check your finances: can you afford the financial sacrifices
that are often necessary to switch careers?
- Research the topic: talk to relevant recruitment agencies and
job centres, and read up on your new career in books and industry magazines
- Refresh your CV: make sure it's relevant by tailoring it carefully
to the requirements of the new job
- Secure work experience: volunteer your services free of charge
if need be. This can be a great route to a permanent role, and at the
very least allows you to test the water
- Go back to school: consider taking vocational courses to develop
important skills
- Speak to your present employer: they may be able to help by
offering flexible working arrangements, or by moving you into a position
that can develop new skills
- Think creatively: recognise that competition for many positions
is tough so you may have to do something a bit different to get noticed
- Be persistent: don't be disheartened by rejections. Bounce
back with another application, and follow-up all interviews with a telephone
call to get feedback on your performance.
- Make the most of any opportunity: show commitment. Be eager
to learn and flexible to the needs of a new industry
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