NEW research released today reveals that more than half of professionals surveyed (52 per cent) in the North-East admit to questioning the suitability of their current job or career some or all of the time, and for over a third of them (38 per cent) this can be as often as once a week or more.

The study shows that over two-fifths of those who question the suitability of their current work, cite a lack of fulfilment as a factor most likely to cause this.

The national survey of more than 2,000 people for Get Into Teaching campaign, aimed at encouraging people across the country to consider teaching as a career, explores the general working population’s perception of their current role and September as a time for personal reflection.

More half of the people in the North-East (58 per cent) surveyed ranked job security as one of the top factors when considering their career, placing importance on being able to enjoy a high probability that you will remain employed in a stable role, and a third (33 per cent) say they would seek long-term prospects if they were to change their professional path.

When it comes to a career in teaching, respondents cited fulfilment and prospects among the main attractions. Nearly a third of people in the North-East (32 per cent) cited the ability to shape the lives of the next generation and over a quarter of people (30 per cent) believe teaching also offers a stable and long-term career. More than one in six (17 per cent) also said holidays that fit around family life were an attraction to the teaching profession.

For some in the North-East, September symbolises a time to re-focus their energy again after the summer (19 per cent), or an opportunity to set new goals (15 per cent), while almost on in seven (14 per cent) state the end of the summer is a good time to make career plans.

When asked what else causes them to question their career, (14 per cent) said following a holiday, and one in 12 (eitht per cent) said the end of the summer are contributory factors.

Martin Murphy, a primary teacher from Horton Grange Primary School in Blyth, decided to switch into teaching in 2014 after seven years in the Royal Navy.

He said: “After spending seven years working as a Royal Navy Officer, I reached a point in my career where I wanted to do something else that also made a real impact. Changing careers is a big decision but choosing to become a teacher was one of the best moves I’ve ever made.

“One of the joys of teaching is when you can see the difference you’ve made to a student, whether that’s in or outside of the classroom. If you think teaching might be for you, I would encourage you to take the next steps as your experience could be exactly what students need. Teaching is hard work, but it’s also very varied and rewarding.”

Roger Pope, spokesperson for the Get Into Teaching campaign and a National Leader for Education, said: “This research highlights just how many people are experiencing a conundrum in their current job or career. It also suggests that people who are doubting the suitability of their existing position are looking for the very things that teaching as a career could offer them – from fulfillment and long-term prospects, to making a real difference in society.

“For many people September will represent getting back into a routine as schools go back, but if you are at a crossroads then it could equally be an opportunity to make a decisive career shift. I would encourage anyone looking for a more rewarding and purpose-led career to explore teaching as an option by visiting the Get Into Teaching website and registering their interest.”

Bill Richards, managing director at global job site Indeed, said: “Career changes happen for many different reasons and are often influenced by a person’s desire to seek work that better matches their priorities and values. This research shows workers face a crossroads when they start to question their fulfilment and as more people look for jobs reflecting their selves it’s easy to see why they would consider teaching.”

The Get Into Teaching team has experienced advisers available to give free support and advice. For more information about teaching as a career and to register your interest visit: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk or call the Get Into Teaching line on 0800-389-2500.