Majority of Britons still not working in their dream job, study claims

However, the research also shows millennials are the most optimistic generation

The study found a third of workers are not pursuing their dream jobs due to money issues (Torsten Blackwood / (AFP/Getty Images))

Nearly nine in 10 people are not working in their "dream job", a poll of 2,000 employees found.

In total, 85 per cent said they were working in a position which was not ideal for them and nearly two-thirds did not think they would ever land their perfect role.

Millennials are the most optimistic generation, as 64 per cent of 18-35 year olds thought they would be in the perfect role in an average of six years from now.

Despite four in five saying they enjoy their current role, only one in 10 millennials thought they would work in the same industry for the rest of their working life.

The biggest factors holding working people back from pursuing their dream job was fear of failure and not having enough money saved to switch career now, the poll found.

In total, a third of respondents were not pursuing their dream jobs due to money issues. If they were to take the plunge and leave their current job in pursuit of their dream one, respondents estimated they would need a "buffer" of £3,340 in savings to support themselves between jobs.

However only 14 per cent believe they have enough money saved to make the transition, and nearly a fifth admitted to not having any savings at all.

For those already in their dream job, 43 per cent said they wished they had saved money to do it earlier.

When thinking about their future dream job, most prioritised a better work/life balance above all else, followed by a higher salary and a less stressful working environment.

One in four millennials polled, said they were waiting until they start a family to pursue their dream job while one in seven believe knowledge is a barrier, feeling unsure how to get into the industry they want to.

Sixty two per cent have since changed their mind on their dream job.

Thirty six per cent came to feel their desired dream job was an unrealistic goal and a quarter don’t have the right skills or talent.

The top three dream jobs for millennials now include medical professional, property developer and a businessman/businesswoman.

For women, their dream job nowadays has moved from teacher to author whilst men have moved from aspiring football player to entrepreneur.

Ross Duncton, Managing Director, Head of Direct at BMO, which manages F&C Investment Trust, said: “The financial services industry must remain focused on bringing saving and investing alive for young people - to empower them with knowledge and confidence to help them reach their financial and life goals". “However, there are a few barriers that they need to overcome. 'For example, they realise they will need a ‘buffer’ of over £3,000 to manage the move towards their ‘dream’ job, but nearly a fifth don’t have any savings at all.

“People yet to find their dream jobs can take learning from those that already have. 'Just under half of those who have already made the transition say they wished they had saved money to do it sooner. Lack of confidence also seems to be a barrier with fear of failure and lack of knowledge holding people back from pursuing their dreams.

''Previous research we undertook confirmed how much appetite there is among millennials for financial education.''

SWNS