Ryan FowlerA new study published in the Socio-Economic Review has found that mid-career dissatisfaction, often described as a “midlife slump” in job satisfaction, predominantly affects highly skilled workers such as managers and professionals, rather than being a universal experience across all occupational classes.
The research, led by Professor Ying Zhou, director of the Future of Work Research Centre at the University of Surrey, analysed over 100,000 workers using data from four major UK surveys, including the UK Skills and Employment Survey and the British Household Panel Survey. By examining both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, the study aimed to offer a detailed understanding of how job satisfaction changes across different stages of a person’s career.
Zhou said: “While dissatisfaction is common among many middle-aged workers, it is crucial to acknowledge that this is not a universal experience. Our findings indicate that for managers and professionals, job satisfaction typically hits its lowest point during their 40s but often rebounds later in life. In contrast, workers in intermediate and lower occupational classes do not display the same U-shaped trajectory. This challenges the widespread belief that a mid-career crisis is a universal phenomenon.”
The study suggests that for many skilled workers, midlife represents a challenging transition period, marked by frustration and despondency. However, it also notes that this phase is often temporary, with job satisfaction typically recovering later in life.
The findings have significant implications for employers. As Zhou noted, “recognizing the specific needs of skilled workers in their 40s and 50s can help companies develop better support systems that foster personal fulfilment and career development.” Such measures could improve workforce retention and engagement, especially as the UK faces the pressures of an ageing workforce.
