While many will find happiness with roles that are not associated with interests outside of work, many dream of working 9-5 in a role that sees them involved in or utilising a skill from something they enjoy doing in their spare time.
Indeed, according to research published in Be A Better You’s Hobbies, Dreams and Jobs Report, 89% of British workers surveyed have considered turning a hobby or interest into a career.
Creative career paths such as photography (48%), writing (e.g. journalism, fiction writing - 37%) and fashion (e.g. fashion design, modelling - 33%) are the most popular.
A further 65% of workers have also considered turning their interest in fitness and nutrition into a career as a personal trainer. And 30% have an appetite to utilise their social and culinary skills for work in the hospitality and catering sector, as an events planner or chef.
While it is encouraging that workers are dreaming big, the unfortunate reality is that the majority will never act upon them. The data shows that just 3% have taken the steps to turn their hobby a full time job - despite 59% admitting they are not passionate about the job they are currently in.
Turning dreams into reality
When questioned as to why they had not made their dreams a reality, workers reported that worries over financial security (65%) were the number one deterrent.
This hesitation is particularly understandable in those who have already established a career and whom are in a comfortable position - many will have the financial responsibility of supporting families, or paying their share of household bills, resting on their shoulders.
Understandably in the current climate, a lack of job security was the second most common reason workers gave up on pursuing a new line of work, with 54% claiming this had put them off changing career paths.
And 47% even claimed social pressure from friends and family had stopped them from taking this step.
At a time when such a huge proportion of the workforce is reporting feeling despondent about their jobs, it is a shame that so few are pursuing change.
Taking the plunge and starting a new career can be daunting but with the right preparation, training, support and guidance turning a much loved past-time, it can be achievable.