An Accenture survey of more than 3 400 business professionals in 29 countries found that fewer than half of all respondents are satisfied with their current jobs. They attributed their discontent to a variety of issues, ranging from being underpaid, to a lack of opportunity for growth and career advancement and feeling trapped.
However, the research also showed that because opportunity doesn’t always “come knocking,” those who create opportunities to achieve their goals are most likely to succeed.
Request a raise
According to the survey, more than 45% of people are unhappy with their jobs because they believe they are underpaid. At the same time, less than 50% said they have ever asked for or negotiated a pay increase. Look at what happened to those who did:
- 25% said they got more money than they were expecting
- An additional 38% said they got the raise they were expecting
- 17% got more money, but not as much as they were hoping for
- 5% did not get a raise, but they did get some other type of incentive
- Only 15% got nothing
That means that of those who asked for a raise, 85% at least got something, while 63% got at least as much as they asked for.
Demand a promotion
Another big reason for job dissatisfaction was lack of opportunity for growth, mentioned by 34% of respondents. But few had ever asked. Once again, the research shows that people who believe they are under-appreciated or stuck in their jobs should just ask for the job they want. Here’s what happened to those who did:
- 17% got a new role, and it was a better one than they’d hoped to land
- 42% got the role they asked for
That means 59% of people who requested a promotion got one. In addition, 5% of those who asked for a promotion got new responsibilities instead, helping to move their career forward. So if you’ve never asked, go for it.
