Job Security More Important than Career Ambition for IT Workers
Published:22-May-2009
Just under 40% of IT workers say their greatest career ambition is to save their job, according to a new research report published by Connect Support Services.
This is in stark contrast to 2008's findings, when almost half of IT workers in the UK said their number one ambition was to leave the computing industry altogether. This year, just 23% of IT workers wanted to leave the world of IT and try something completely different.
The research report also found a distinct lack of ambition among IT workers. Only 17% wanted to create an innovation that would win the respect of their peers and just 1% aspired to become an IT industry leader such as Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.
The survey was conducted by an independent research company on behalf of Connect and consisted of in-depth interviews with IT managers and directors at 151 UK companies in a range of industries.
Key findings from the research included:
- Among women IT workers surveyed, over four out of ten thought keeping their jobs was their main ambition.
- The greatest career aspiration for 37% of IT workers was to "keep my job", 17% dreamed of "discovering an IT innovation", 13% would like to "work as an IT director at a technology company" and just 1% aspired to be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates.
- These findings show vast differences to 2008 when the greatest career aspiration for four out of 10 IT workers was to "leave the industry altogether", 13% wanted to "work as an IT director at a technology company" and 11% aspired to be the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates.
Mark MacGregor, CEO of Connect, said: "It's a difficult time for many of those working in technology, with uncertainty over employment and increasing pressure to deliver better IT with smaller budgets. With companies making major cuts in their workforce, it is hardly surprising that IT workers are concentrating on retaining their current job rather than dreaming of alternative career options.
"What is surprising however is the lack of ambition to achieve something significant in technology. In fact, despite the recession, more IT workers want to leave the industry altogether than discover an IT innovation."
The survey of 151 IT directors was conducted by The Survey Shop in December 2008. Full details of the survey can be found at www.connect.co.uk.
