The average worker gets bored after three years in a role, according to research. A study, of 2,000 people in employment, revealed over half feel the “three-year itch” has begun when they feel anxious every Sunday night (51 percent), or don’t get on with their boss (32 percent).
Meanwhile, 31 percent believe a lack of sleep due to stress is a sign to start looking elsewhere. And as a result, three in 10 of those polled are thinking about moving occupations after four and a half years in their current role.
Carrie Westwell, head of HR at Bensons for Beds, which commissioned the research as it looks for a “Chief Sleep Officer”, said: “After a while, it’s understandable professionals will crave new opportunities, and look elsewhere for something to fulfil their employment needs.
“It’s been interesting to find out the most common signs that someone needs to start the job search again.
“The new year is a great time to think about your career, but everyone else will probably be thinking about the same thing – so competition will be fierce.
“The new CSO position is a six-month, part-time role, with a salary of £10k, and covers 874 hours of training, napping, and shopping.
“The lucky candidate will get to test up to one mattress every fortnight, four pillows per month, and one bedframe every six weeks.
“It’s the perfect role for anyone who wants to supplement their existing income, or is keen to explore the bed industry, before deciding to take the big plunge and change careers.”
Of those who are thinking about changing jobs, 38 percent want to earn a higher salary, while 24 percent feel there is no further career progression available to them in their current role.
One in four will begin their search this month, as 34 percent believe January to be the best month to start looking for fresh job opportunities. And for January job seekers, the second week of the month is the most popular time to look for a role.
When quizzed on their “dream job”, 50 percent say the most important thing would be flexible hours, while 39 percent would need to be a part of a team they enjoy working with – and 30 percent reckon they’d happily stay in bed all day as part of a full-time job.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed 28 percent have previously fallen asleep at work when they weren’t supposed to – blaming it on boredom (33 percent), not feeling well (30 percent), and the room being too warm (24 percent).
Furthermore, more than one in 10 (11 percent) have started a “side hustle” within the past 12 months, as a way of making money on the side of their main income.
The most commonly pursued job of this kind emerged as selling old clothes on second-hand apps or websites (21 percent). And the typical side hustler makes an average earning of £229 per month, spending just 10 hours per week doing it.
But of those who are yet to embark upon such a venture, one in five are considering it this year – with proofreading, product testing, and admin or data entry being among the top jobs.
Carrie Westwell, at Bensons for Beds, added: “As the world resets in January, so can your career.
“Changing jobs isn’t just a shift in location, it’s a recalibration of your professional trajectory, and an opportunity to align your passion with your profession. And if your passion is sleep – we might just want to talk to you.”
