Majority of engineers prioritise work and money over a social/love life

New research from CV-Library, the UK independent job board, reveals that the majority of engineers (55.6%) feel work is the most important thing in their life right now, with only 17.8% prioritising their social life and 10% their love life.

The study surveyed 1,200 working professionals and found that only family (80.2%) trumped a job as the top priority, also beating health (50.5%). 

What’s more, despite sacrificing a social and love life for their career, only 15.6% of engineers claim to be in their dream job.

Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings: “Technological advances in recent years have made it easy for us to become absorbed in the ‘always-on’ work culture sweeping the UK. 

“However, it’s concerning to think that so many of those in the engineering trade are missing out on time with their loved ones to put in more hours at work.  

“Whilst it’s commendable that so many engineers are invested in their careers, it’s not necessary to sacrifice your entire personal life in pursuit of success. Of course, a desire to move forward at work may require a change in lifestyle, but don’t lose everything else which brings you joy along the way.”  

The study sought to further understand what engineers’ priorities in life are right now. 

The majority (73.7%) stated that they hadn’t achieved everything that they wanted to so far in life. 

When asked what they wanted to achieve next, the following were most desirable: 

* 50.8% would like to be in their dream job 

* 49.2% would like to earn over £50k  

* 27.7% would like to travel for an extended period of time  

* 26.2% would like to buy a house  

* 20.4% would like to retire 

Biggins concludes: “It’s interesting to see that engineers would rather be in their dream job than in a role that comes with a high income. It just goes to show how important job satisfaction really is, especially in terms of pursuing your interests outside of work, such as the ability to travel. 

“If it’s something you’ve been dreaming of doing for ages, be sure to have that conversation with your employer. They may be able to make your dream a reality!”