Career Confidence Crisis in Northern Ireland: Record Low Sparks Talent Exodus

Career Confidence Hits Record Low in Northern Ireland

New research from Hays reveals that career confidence among professionals has plummeted to its lowest level in recent years. Based on a survey of over 5,100 professionals and employers, including over 300 in Northern Ireland, only 37% feel positive about their career prospects for the next year—a significant drop from 43% a year ago.

Key Findings from the Survey

• 51% of respondents in the UK and 52% in Northern Ireland are uncertain about their career future, while 12% feel negative.
• This marks the lowest level of career optimism since the first year of the pandemic, matching the 37% positivity rate seen then.
• As a result of this dissatisfaction, 62% of workers expect to change roles in the next 12 months, up from 57% in 2024.
• Additionally, 48% of professionals believe there's no scope for career progression in their current organization.

Challenges for Employers

If workers follow through on their intentions, employers will face mounting challenges in retaining talent. The biggest obstacles cited include:

• Inability to match market salary expectations
• Competitive job market attracting talent elsewhere
• High workloads and burnout
• Lack of clear career progression opportunities

Shift in Priorities

The research highlights a shift in priorities, with purpose, balance, and belonging now central to career decisions. For those satisfied in their current roles, top drivers include:

• Good fit with colleagues (50% overall, 57% in Northern Ireland)
• Flexible working patterns (43% overall, 41% in Northern Ireland)

When considering a new role, professionals are looking beyond salary. A positive work atmosphere tops the list, followed by a strong benefits package, job location, and career development opportunities. Many would even accept a lower-paid role for better work-life balance (53% overall and in Northern Ireland), a greater sense of purpose (22% overall, 21% in Northern Ireland), or improved wellbeing support (16% overall, 14% in Northern Ireland).

Salary Satisfaction Declines

Despite this shift, salary satisfaction has also slipped, with 40% of professionals—44% in Northern Ireland—saying they are unhappy with their salary or rate of pay, up from a third of respondents last year.

Insights from Hays Director

Mark Wade, Director of Hays in Northern Ireland, commented: "It’s clear that a lot of people in Northern Ireland are not feeling particularly confident about their careers, and changes announced in the recent Budget may add further pressures to the job market, perhaps leading some higher earners to seek a change of job in early 2026.

While our survey findings indicate many professionals feel stuck and don’t see opportunities for progression with their current employers, we are also seeing further evidence that there has been a change in what is important to people when it comes to their job and career.

It is no longer simply about salary for many people—purpose, balance, and belonging are driving career decisions, and employers need to recognize this 'emotional economy' of work if they want to hold on to their best people and attract fresh talent. Being transparent and creating an attractive culture is more important than ever.

As in the wider UK, if we see confidence bouncing back in 2026, we could see a significant surge in job moves in Northern Ireland and potentially the next wave of the so-called 'Great Resignation'. For professionals, this is a good time to take control of their careers, seek development opportunities, and redefine what success looks like."