More than a third of UK employees say they are in their dream job, with Information Technology emerging as the happiest sector to work in, the results of a new study show.
According to research by software firm Adobe Express, 36 percent of British workers are currently in their dream role, while nearly seven in 10 feel fulfilled in their work. But the findings also show a significant number are still searching for that perfect fit, and many would be ready to leave their current role if a better opportunity appeared.
IT, Manchester Lead the Way
Information Technology (IT) boasts the highest share of workers in their dream role, at 59 percent, making it the UK’s happiest industry by this measure. Business consulting and management, engineering and manufacturing and property and construction all follow closely, with 54 percent of employees in these sectors reporting they have landed their ideal job.
Manchester comes out on top as the UK city where the most people feel they are in their dream job, at 46 percent, ahead of other major cities. Edinburgh records the lowest share, with just a third of workers there saying they have achieved their career ambitions.
While 36 percent of UK workers overall report being in their dream role, younger employees are far more likely to feel satisfied. Half of those aged 18–24 say they have found their dream job, compared with just 7 percent of those aged 55–64. The most fulfilled age group is 35–44, with almost one in five describing themselves as extremely fulfilled at work.
The research also points to areas where employees are more likely to be dissatisfied or ready for change. For example, 29 percent of those in marketing, advertising and PR say they are likely to switch jobs in the next year — the highest among all sectors surveyed.
Perks, Flexibility, New Tools Drive Happiness
Support from employers makes a clear difference, according to the study. More than a third of workers say perks and benefits help keep them motivated, while 28 percent cite flexible working arrangements as key to a good work-life balance.
Access to new technology also plays a role: over a fifth (21 percent) say their workplace supports staff by introducing innovative tools and ways of working, such as artificial intelligence.
In business, consulting and management, nearly six in 10 employees say they feel supported by workplace benefits, while in marketing and PR, 43 percent feel new tech like AI helps them succeed. In Belfast, 40 percent of workers feel supported by innovative tools, and in Glasgow, 43 percent describe themselves as extremely fulfilled. That’s the highest of any city in the survey.
Despite the overall positivity, the research underlines how many people remain unfulfilled. Fourteen percent of workers say they do not feel fulfilled in their job, and more than a quarter (28 percent) would leave their current position in the next 12 months if the right opportunity came along.
Some groups also feel limited by a lack of resources or unclear career direction, with 29 percent in Edinburgh saying they don’t have what they need to find their dream role.
Tips For Finding Your Dream Job
Adobe Express recommends several practical steps for anyone hoping to move closer to their ideal job:
- Define your goals: Think about what makes you feel fulfilled, and identify any barriers to making a switch.
- Update your CV: Make sure your experience and unique skills are clearly presented.
- Tailor applications: Show your passion and fit for each specific job you apply to.
- Prepare for interviews: Research the company and stay up to date with industry developments.
- Be persistent and adaptable: The path to a dream role can take time, so keep learning and adjusting as you go.