Marvin OnumonuMillions of UK workers are now taking jobs they do not want just to avoid falling into debt, according to research from Zety.
The report showed 35% of British workers have thought about changing careers due to money worries, while 5.2 million people are already working second jobs to stay afloat.
Maciej Tomaszewicz, CPRW and career expert at Zety, said: “Debt is no longer just a balance sheet issue, it’s a workforce issue.
“People are climbing out of overdrafts instead of up career ladders.”
The report found 43% of workers had no money left after paying for the essentials, and 14% were relying more on credit to get by.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) put the UK’s household debt-to-income ratio at 118%, with the average unsecured debt per adult at £4,232.
Mortgage arrears increased by 69% in 2024 as higher interest rates hit households.
Nearly half of UK adults now have some form of unsecured debt, according to Zety.
Tomaszewicz added: “Whether you earn in pounds or dollars, the reality is the same.
“Financial stress is shaping how people work, live, and plan for the future. It’s no longer simply about jobs, it’s about survival.”
The report also found that 12% of workers thinking about switching careers blamed the cost-of-living crisis, and 10 million more would consider a second job if things get worse.
Tomaszewicz said: “Work should offer growth, not just a way to pay off yesterday’s bills.
“If we want a resilient, future-focused workforce, we need to address the root causes of this crisis.”
