Still thinking about that dream job? How lost career ambitions haunt almost half of us

By
Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 2:04 AM on 30th December 2011

Almost half of workers regret not following their childhood dreams, according to a study.

The most common unfulfilled ambition was becoming a doctor or vet, a sports star or actor.

The individuals who cited these dreams mostly ended up in IT, education or administration, the research found.

Stuck in a rut: Almost half of working adults regret their career choices according to the study (Posed by model)

Stuck in a rut: Almost half of working adults regret their career choices according to the study (Posed by model)

Adults in their 40s are most fed up in their chosen careers, with 47 per cent wishing they’d followed their dreams instead, compared with only a third of those over 60.

In total, 42 per cent of people wish they had chased their childhood ambitions.

Men seem to be most dissatisfied, with 44 per cent frustrated in their jobs compared with 40 per cent of women.

When adults were asked what other occupation they would like to pursue now, the top answer was the arts and entertainment industries, with 14 per cent.

One in ten would now like a job in broadcasting, music or film.

More than a third of recent graduates also wish they had followed childhood ambitions and four in ten said their goals had become more realistic as they got older.

Game over: Many men still wish they could play professional football

Game over: Many men still wish they could play professional football

The study for recruitment website Monster.co.uk found one in six had become more focused on happiness rather than money or fame.

Monster.co.uk spokesperson Michael Gentle said: ‘It isn’t unusual to look back at your childhood dreams and think about what could have been.

‘This is perfectly normal but it is important to decide whether this is simply nostalgia, or whether you are genuinely unhappy in your current role.

‘If it’s the latter then it could be time to think about taking stock and moving into a career that is better suited to your interests, skills and ambitions.

‘While it may be too late to become a professional footballer, it’s never too late to try a new role or industry.

‘The idea of a job for life no longer exists and plenty of people spend time in a number of different fields throughout their career.

‘If you do decide to take the plunge it’s crucial to do research and plan carefully, rather than handing in your notice on a whim.

‘But if you are committed and driven then it’s possible to have the career of your dreams.’

 

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