Four in 10 employees want a more fulfilling career – but worry they’ve left it too late to make a change, a study has found. Research into 2,000 workers revealed that 43 percent want to switch sectors – with 34 percent dreaming of something more rewarding, and 25 percent longing for a job which is more worthwhile.

Others want to work in a role they can be proud of (21 percent), that makes a difference (18 percent), or that gives back to society (13 percent).

However, only 17 percent think they will manage to make the leap within the next year – with 12 percent admitting they don’t think they’ll ever be able to start something new.

For 27 percent, a lack of confidence is their biggest barrier, while others feel they are too old to start again (26 percent), have a fear of failing (22 percent), or worry they won’t be able to learn new skills.

It also emerged health, social care, and dentistry are among the most popular roles people would like to work in to give back to society, along with teaching and charities.

Tom Hoosen-Webber, chief people and procurement officer for Bupa Global & UK, which commissioned the research, said: “We’re at work for a huge amount of our lives – so it’s important to try and do something you enjoy, that rewards you, or that you feel fulfilled doing.

“While it can be daunting to make the change initially, many people find they are much happier for it. Whatever your career ambitions for 2024, I’d encourage you to make that change.”

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found that if they were to change careers, 57 percent would want on-the-job learning, while 40 percent would look for something that uses similar skills to the ones they already have.

However, just 14 percent would consider an apprenticeship, with 45 percent worried the wages will be too low, and 42 percent of the belief they are too old for this to be an option – wrongly thinking apprenticeships are “just for school leavers”.

Tom Hoosen-Webber, from Bupa Global & UK, added: “We see many people entering the health and social care fields from other sectors, and they bring fantastic transferrable skills which can benefit their new roles.

“There are so many options available to people looking to change careers. We offer a range of on-the-job learning opportunities, courses, and apprenticeships to help people learn new skills.

“Many people find apprenticeships a great option – you can “earn as you learn”, and have a qualification and a job at the end of it.”

When Victoria Taylor, aged 36, from Surrey, left school, she wanted to be a hairdresser – but after changing her mind, she got a job on the checkout of her local supermarket.

There, she found her passion for helping people – assisting elderly people across the road with their shopping, and generally going above and beyond her role.

Others started to tell her that she would be a good carer – so she got a job at a nearby Bupa care home, working her way up to senior carer, and now home manager.

Victoria said: “When I worked at the supermarket, helping people with their shopping and providing that extra care and support was the best part of the job.

“That’s when I knew I should try to make a career of caring. I love working with everyone at the home. We are one big family, working to provide the best possible care for our residents.

“No two days are the same. Some days the residents fancy a trip to the pub, other days we’re in the garden planting flowers and getting some fresh air.

“I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to consider a career in care. The sky is the limit if you have compassion and empathy for people – that’s essential to the job.”

Meanwhile, Rebekah Martin, aged 33, from Nottingham, worked in a bakery before starting a new role as a trainee dental nurse.

Before changing careers, the mum-of-two always had a desire to pursue something where she could become qualified – and her new job allowed her to complete full training, and gave her time out of surgery to do her coursework.

Her favourite part of the apprenticeship was learning about the various treatments carried out in the surgery, which has enabled her to be more skilled and confident.

She said: “Being a mum meant having time to complete my coursework was very important to me in allowing me to change careers.

“But also, make sure you aren’t afraid to ask questions along the way, and always soak up as much information as possible from different people you meet along the way.”