A third of Brits plan to leave their job

31 January is the day Brits are most likely to hand in their notice and leave their job, new research from Crunch Accounting reveals.

The study found that a potential 10.3 million workers are considering moving on professionally (32.5% of the UK’s workforce) – but most will hang on until after January’s payday before handing in their notice.

New Year resolutions are the reason a third of people plan to take the plunge in January, while others can’t bear the thought of another whole year at work (43%) or are yearning for a fresh start (43%). Bad bosses topped the list of reasons why people want to quit, with almost half of respondents (46%) listing it as a factor in their decision. A lack of career progression (36%) narrowly beat lousy pay (35%), while stress (34%) and the commute (22%) all ranked highly. Nearly one in five (18%) Brits are quitting to follow their dream of starting a new business.

Darren Fell, CEO and founder of Crunch Accounting said: “It’s that time of year again when people start drawing up their plans for New Year resolutions – and it looks like a career change is high on the list. In all honesty, we’re not hugely surprised – why should people slog away in 9-to-5 roles they no longer find fulfilling? In the modern world of work, people should be able to find flexible, exciting careers that fit their lifestyle, whether that’s in a change of job or industry, or following their dream of becoming their own boss. Here’s to 2017 – the year to make a fresh new start!”

The research also shows that this is by no means a rash decision – almost two thirds of people have been contemplating giving notice for six months or longer, while a third (32%) admitted they have been considering it for 12 months or more. Nearly three quarters (70%) of employees even admitted they fantasise about quitting their job – with a quarter (26%) saying it’s a regular occurrence.

And how do people recognise that it’s time to move on? The tell-tale symptoms these disgruntled employees all have in common include clock-watching (46%), Sunday night dread (41%) and constant complaining to family and friends (30%).

For anyone thinking it’s time for a career change and considering setting up their own business, visit Crunch Accounting’s Get Started campaign for advice on how to make it happen.