Home Health Nearly half of Britons silently suffer from the fear of missing out on their careers because they are not brave enough to leave their job, a study suggests.

Nearly half of Britons silently suffer from the fear of missing out on their careers because they are not brave enough to leave their job, a study suggests.

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Two in five Britons suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) in their careers, according to a new study

The grass may not always be greener on the other side.

But that doesn’t stop a large number of employees from regretting their decision to stay in their jobs, a survey suggests.

Two in five workers have suffered from FOMO (fear of missing out) in their careers after refusing to leave their job in search of better opportunities, according to research.

A total of 43 per cent of UK adults reported experiencing anxiety after passing up a “great career opportunity” because they were too hesitant to leave their current position.

The survey of 5,000 workers revealed a ripple effect in the hiring market: nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of those who had regretted a change in the past are now more reluctant to pursue new opportunities.

Two in five Britons suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) in their careers, according to a new study

Reasons for hesitating to change jobs include sacrificing work-life balance, losing current levels of flexibility, and learning new processes elsewhere.

Reasons for hesitating to change jobs include sacrificing work-life balance, losing current levels of flexibility, and learning new processes elsewhere.

FEAR OF MISSING OUT (FOMO)

Fear of missing out (FOMO) is a unique term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites.

FOMO involves two processes: first, a perception of missing out on a positive experience, followed by compulsive behavior to maintain those social connections.

FOMO is linked to negative life experiences and feelings, as well as problematic attachment to social media.

Source: Gupta et al. (2021)

Some of the top reasons for workers’ indecision include sacrificing work-life balance (29 percent), losing current levels of flexibility (26 percent), and becoming familiar with new processes elsewhere (18 percent).

Doug Rode, of recruitment firm Michael Page, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s worrying to see millions of British workers regretting lost career opportunities.

‘Nervousness about changing jobs is understandable, but don’t let it stop you from growing professionally, earning higher salaries and having more fulfilling work experiences.

‘For those who are considering moving but have not yet taken the necessary steps, I urge you to act as soon as possible.

‘Our research indicates a shift in mindset and many are preparing to make bold decisions. Economic predictability and demand for new skills are driving a renewed sense of optimism.

‘There is pent-up demand in the market due to organisations not filling vacant positions over the past year, which could result in a wider selection of opportunities coming to market in the not-too-distant future.

‘Candidates who do the groundwork today will reap the rewards and avoid missed opportunities.’

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