By Zoya Gervis // SWNS
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
The average American has experienced four “lightbulb moments” about their lives since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to new research.
In a poll of 2,000 Americans, results discovered that seven in 10 believe they’ve had at least one “great” idea during the last seven months of pandemic stress.
Over half have already taken steps to turn their recent “lightbulb moment” into a reality, from starting a new business to writing a novel or growing an at-home produce garden.
The study conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Fiverr aimed to uncover how people approached their careers amid the pandemic and found over half (54%) have considered making a “major” career change during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, two in five are currently dissatisfied with their current job, and 45% are not working in the career field they want to be in.
For Millennials, a possible career shift would be especially meaningful. Fifty-two percent reported that they aren’t satisfied with their current position, and 59% believe that the ongoing coronavirus crisis is encouraging people to pursue their dream jobs.
They’ve also been exploring their career options more aggressively. The typical Millennial has researched between three to four possible new jobs, at least an entire job more than the national average of respondents.
At the same time, Millennials also reported feeling the most pressured to stay at their current job (63%), citing their desire to support their partner, their kids, and themselves as top factors.
Only 20% of Baby Boomers said they felt similarly — although they were also 24% more likely than Millennials to already be working in their ideal career field.
“Not everyone had the luxury to be able to work from home. Now is the time for people to start taking stock of what exactly they want from their jobs” stated a spokesperson for Fiverr.
Despite post-pandemic uncertainty, 71% of all respondents saw themselves going after their dream job someday, and 45% think it’s possible to do so on a full-time basis.
However, not everyone is so optimistic. Forty-seven percent also admitted that they believe their dream job is simply a “pipe dream.”
Still, 48% are using this uncertain time to pursue their passions, whether it’s a new career, hobby, skill, or something else.
Forty-two percent even credited the pandemic for inspiring them to make a change in the first place.
“Many successful people often end up in a career they never expected to be in. Whether it was through a hobby or a new skill they picked up when they were older, finding a fulfilling job and turning that into a thriving career is completely possible. And if not now, then when is it the right time for people to begin pursuing their passions” added a spokesperson for Fiverr.
TOP 5 EXCUSES PEOPLE USE TO ABANDON GOOD IDEAS
- Not sure where to begin
- Too lazy
- Not enough money
- Too busy with other things
- Feeling overwhelmed
TOP 5 BIGGEST SOURCES OF CAREER PRESSURE
- Partner (24%)
- Myself (23%)
- My kids (15%)
- Society (13%)
- Parents (12%)
