68% of 18-54-year-olds want to quit rat race and go it alone

Warren Ferguson, Franchise Director

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

The vast majority of the UK’s current workforce are considering leaving their current roles in order to work for themselves, according to new research.

68% of people aged between 18 and 54 either dream of working for themselves (19.5%), are actively making plans to work for themselves (16.5%) or are interested in working for themselves (31.5%), according to the recent survey, carried out by shipping solutions provider and franchisor, World Options,

In addition, the research revealed that 22% of this age group expect to be working for themselves within the next five-to-ten years.

Warren Ferguson, Franchise Director at World Options, said: “These statistics suggest that a huge proportion of the UK’s workforce is currently disillusioned in their current jobs and that working for themselves is a serious consideration, so that they can have their needs met and enjoy the life that they dream of.

“This presents significant problems for employers who need to think of ways to engage both Millennials and Generation X employees and meet their needs at work, or risk losing considerable numbers of their workforce in the coming years.”

According to the survey of 683 people, those aged 18-54 consider the following their most important work-related goals: 

• Work/life balance
• Being happy at work
• Getting the job done
• Learning new skills 

One respondent, aged between 35 and 54, said they consider their peers to be, “looking for a job they enjoy, and unwilling to put up with any crap”.

Mr Ferguson said: “This research further suggest that UK workers also appear to be confident and optimistic about the prospect of taking the leap of faith out of the 9-5 rat race. There has never been a better time to work for yourself and this sentiment appears to be working its way through offices across the UK.”