Direct sales recruitment experts Citrus Connect, have found that despite possessing the core skills to transition into new careers, millions of UK workers feel trapped in careers that no longer satisfy them.
A huge 42 per cent of UK employees feel stuck in their current roles, while 28 per cent are uncertain about how to transition into new industries. However, the appetite for change is evident, with 21 per cent of UK workers planning to change careers in the next 12 months, citing the pursuit of better salaries, improved work-life balance, and increased job satisfaction. Yet confidence remains the biggest obstacle.
6.8 million people (20 per cent of the UK’s working population) lack the confidence to pursue a career change, according to a survey by City & Guilds StandOut CV. This lack of confidence is often attributed to factors such as ‘financial insecurity’, ‘age-related concerns’ and ‘parental responsibilities’ says leading recruitment expert Leena Parmar.
Data shows that 72 per cent of workers underestimate how transferable their skills are, with communication, adaptability, and problem-solving topping the list of underutilised strengths. This lack of awareness represents a missed opportunity both for individuals and the UK economy, where vacancies in high-growth industries continue to outpace available talent.
Looking ahead, the appetite for career change is expected to grow in 2026. With 21 per cent of UK workers, equivalent to 7.1 million people – already planning a move in 2025, rising awareness of transferable skills and greater access to reskilling support could push this figure higher. Based on current labour market trends, it is forecast that between 7.8 and 8.2 million workers will actively seek new careers in 2026.
This shift represents a significant opportunity for both individuals and employers. As more workers embrace career transitions, industries facing persistent skills shortages – such as sales, technology, and healthcare-stand to benefit from an influx of adaptable, motivated talent. However, without the right structures in place to boost confidence and highlight transferable skills, many professionals risk remaining in roles that underutilise their potential.
“In the UK, the most in-demand transferable skills identified by employers include strong communication, adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, digital literacy, and organisational abilities such as time management,” says Leena Parmar, founder of Citrus Connect. “Employers also place high importance on critical thinking, leadership, initiative, and resilience.”
Leena says Citrus Connect, champion the idea of the ‘Employeepreneur’; – Individuals who bring entrepreneurial drive and value to their roles, enriching both their professional and personal lives. These workers treat your business as their own, they are driven, innovative and committed to adding true value.
Parmar adds: “Many people don’t realise that the so-called ‘soft skills’ they use every day are in fact some of the most powerful assets when it comes to transitioning into new, higher-paid roles. Skills like negotiation, leadership, problem-solving, resilience, and emotional intelligence are not only transferable but essential across industries such as sales, project management, healthcare leadership, technology consultancy, and financial services.
“The challenge is that workers often undervalue these abilities, seeing them as natural traits rather than professional strengths. Once individuals recognise the weight these skills carry in roles with higher earning potential, they open the door to career paths they may never have considered possible.”
