New data shows that turbulence will continue to be a feature of career journeys in 2021 for those in employment, job seekers, the self-employed, and founders of new businesses, according to a new survey.
Findings suggest that as the economic fallout of Covid-19 continues, 2021 looks set to be a time of change in the face of challenge, with seven in ten anticipating a new career move and over a third planning to start a new venture.
The survey, carried out by Self Makers, to generate insights into career patterns in 2020 and identify trends in 2021, highlights results that emerged in four areas; career turbulence, new ventures, side hustles, and career investment.
Conor Lynch, founder of Self Makers commented “As 2020 progressed, it was becoming clear that careers were going through a period of accelerated turbulence due to Covid-19, but the survey findings show these trends will continue and accelerate in the new year.
“People are on the move in their careers, some by choice, but many by necessity, and a consequence we can see is that people are choosing to take greater control of their career.”
He added that measures taken to contain the spread of Covid-19 resulted in a sudden career shock for many with rising levels of unemployment, temporary layoffs and, unfortunately, many businesses closing altogether. For many, career plans and goals hit a serious roadblock so that people have been forced to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and make new plans to advance their careers and secure their long-term future.
Lynch continued saying: “Encouragingly, the survey found that 36 percent of respondents plan to start a new business venture in 2021. This illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit in Ireland and the drive many people have to work for themselves.
“It is encouraging to see that the rate of new ventures will increase in 2021. People recognise the benefits of taking their career into their own hands, and the control this gives them to forge their own success. This shouldn’t be a surprise, some of the biggest success stories emerge from the depths of recession.
“We can also see this entrepreneurial trend on a part-time basis. Over a fifth of respondents (22 percent ) are planning a side hustle - or employment, in addition to a full-time job in 2021, a popular first step into going solo full-time.
“Finally, the survey showed that respondents will continue to invest time and money toward achieving their career goals. The rise of remote working and the resulting hours saved on commutes for example has afforded people more time to consider their next move.
“Over half (56 percent ) will invest more in themselves to improve their career prospects this coming year, whether they end up working in a new job or for themselves.”
The ‘Self Makers Pulse Survey 2020’ was conducted online in December 2020 among a sample of adults, predominantly in Ireland. A total of 221 people completed the survey, which explored trends towards independent careers.
