Over a quarter of senior staff fancy a try at something new
Some of the country's most senior workers wish they had sought out pastures new, figures out today show.
Over a quarter (29 per cent) of senior decision makers surveyed by McDonald's UK would consider changing career in the next five years, while just less than half (43 per cent) of managing directors are pondering a second career.
For the senior decision makers considering polishing off their CV, the top reason for thinking about starting fresh was being frustrated with company decisions, cited by 50 per cent. Other reasons included unfilled personal ambitions (49 per cent), lack of time to see friends and family in their current role (40 per cent) and too much hassle from travel (30 per cent).
Read more: Most chief financial officers want the corner office
"We are seeing a growing trend among senior executives who are keen to begin second careers and are seeking our advice – high achievers who don't necessarily want more, just something different," said Diana Norris, career coach from CareerBalance. "Despite the uncertainty of heading down a different career path, high achievers want a chance to create success on their own terms, fulfil their entrepreneurial ambitions, and take control of their own future."
Jason Clark, vice president for franchising at McDonald's Franchising, added: "Unsurprisingly, at a time when certain macroeconomic trends are causing uncertainty in business, many senior executives are finding themselves wanting a change in direction – a second career. Many of our franchisees were already operating successful businesses before they came to us, while others have come from prominent careers in the private and public sectors."
Read more: Bankers went bonkers for bonuses last year
Research from Standard Life carried out earlier this year discovered that more than half of workers in the UK fancied a career change, although one in 10 (11 per cent) worried they were too old to make it happen.