Brits will change jobs seven times before they retire - with one in three wanting to switch roles

North Wales Live

19-05-2025

The average employee expects to switch roles seven times before retirement, equating to a new job roughly every seven years, a study has revealed. A survey of 2,000 workers highlighted that the pursuit of higher salaries (56%), improved work-life balance (42%), and career advancement opportunities (26%) are key motivators for job changes.
Additional factors such as enhanced workplace perks (26%) and leaving behind negative work environments (24%) also significantly influence career moves. Moreover, the allure of a stable 9 to 5 schedule is strong, with 95% of those surveyed valuing this traditional work structure.
The research also found that 76% believe younger employees are more inclined to switch careers frequently compared to their older counterparts. This trend is reflected in the data, with 39% of respondents across all age brackets open to job changes—65% of these are from Generation Z and 32% from Generation X.
While nearly half (46%) of Generation Z workers report job-hopping every few years for progression, 60% of baby boomers tend to remain in one position for the long haul. Across all demographics, 44% have ventured into different industries multiple times.
Alexander Allen, managing director and chief customer officer at Funding Circle, an SME finance platform, commented: "Our research shows that people value passion over money when pursuing a job." He added: "It's been interesting to find out how perceptions compare between different generations when it comes to changing jobs or starting a completely new career.
"Although there are many job opportunities, it's great to see that culture is highly valued with a combined 50% look to move jobs due to a toxic work environment and better benefits. Yes, money is always going to be a huge draw, but a working schedule that suits the individual and their life outside work, is almost as valuable for some. Knowing what support small businesses need comes through years of experience, and making sure they have the right tools available to succeed is crucial."
Essex-based small business owner Laura Daly, who utilised Funding Circle to expand her bridal shop venture, Bellissima Weddings, has had a diverse career history including stints as a professional singer, dancer, and model, as well as supermarket work in her early years. Laura reflected positively on her varied early employment experiences, crediting them with imparting valuable lessons she now applies in her enterprise.
She remarked: "When I worked in a supermarket, my task was to engage customers and promote whatever offers there were each day. I learned very quickly that if you engage people in conversation and let them tell you something about themselves first, you can sell something to them much easier than if you jump straight into a sales pitch. In my 20s I was dancing – and I loved every minute of it. The self-discipline and ability to take personal criticism without being offended were lessons that have stuck with me for life."
With the backing of Funding Circle, known for supporting small enterprises with the necessary finance to expand and develop, Laura was able to grow her business. She explained: "I knew what we wanted, and realised it would take a huge lump of money to do what we wanted to do. We had got to the point where we desperately needed to refurbish the whole shop.
"I started to look at where we could borrow and I loved the minute we started looking at Funding Circle. I said to my husband Michael if we're going to take money from anyone, it's going to be them. I never felt like I'd sold my soul to the bank. It was a completely different way of thinking and it filled me with confidence into actually taking the money."
A study conducted by OnePoll revealed that 73% of Gen Z are willing to consider a brand-new career path, whereas only 33% of Boomers feel comfortable with such a change. Over a third (35%) of those aged between 60-78 reckon their generation values stability over change, in stark contrast to just 18% of 18-28 year olds. Meanwhile, 37% of the younger demographic view frequent job switches as 'normal' – a sentiment shared by a mere four per cent of Boomers.
The OnePoll.com survey also disclosed that 36% of those aged between 60 and 78 believe the job market is tougher for the younger generation now than when they began their careers. Additionally, 30% of respondents attribute this to the current economic climate, particularly affecting young people who are keen to switch career paths.
Laura offered guidance to young individuals entering a challenging job market, advising them to "choose a career path that gives you joy or feeds a passion". She further commented: "It really is true that if you do a job that you love, it will never feel like work. Scope out organisations and companies that offer upward mobility and in-house training to get you there, there's never any shame in starting at the bottom - some of the best CEO's have done just that."