Although nearly 60 percent of employees say they feel passionate about their current positions, most are not working their dream jobs, according to a Kenexa and Salary.com survey.
"Children are asked what they want to be when they grow up before they even start school: doctor, teacher, astronaut and rock star," says Kenexa Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Geisert. "Each role seems attainable when you're 5, 10 or even 15. Our survey uncovered that when it comes to turning these dreams into reality, only 16 percent are living the dream. But even though childhood dream jobs are often put on the back-burner, they never really fade away. Sixty percent of respondents said they wish they could still fulfill their dream."
Of those surveyed, 87 percent say working for an employer that helps them achieve their dreams is either very important or somewhat important; however, only 19 percent of respondents grade their employers with high ratings for fostering employees' passions.
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Among respondents of ages 18-25, 22 percent say they attained their dream job, but only 14 percent of respondents ages 26-35 say the same. That figure drops even lower for employees ages 36-45 at 12 percent. Seventy-one percent of younger respondents say they are in a job that excites them, but for workers ages of 46-55, only 53 percent feel the same way.
Respondents say their employers can better promote hidden passions by communicating with their employees and allowing them paid time off to let employees follow their dreams.
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