For three long months of lockdown we were faced with a lot of spare time on our hands.
And it turns out people used those rare moments of reflection to plan - or at least dream about - a new career.
According to the latest research, almost half (42 per cent) of people quizzed in Bristol said they were considering a post-lockdown career overhaul.
The nationwide survey of 2,000 British workers, carried out by The National Lottery, revealed 55 per cent of those polled in our city decided 'life was too short to be working in a job they hate'.
While 34 per cent said lockdown had made them realise how important a good work-life balance is, another 34 per cent now don’t think they make enough money in their current career.
Top of the list of career changes people want to make in Bristol are to become gardeners, decorators, nurses, care workers and counsellors, with 10 per cent of people surveyed saying they now want to retrain for each of these professions.
Meanwhile, nine per cent said lockdown had made them realise they would now like to become a personal trainer, photographer, videographer or charity worker.
The study also found that the biggest barriers to changing careers included having the necessary funds (42 per cent), lack of confidence (42 per cent), and having the time to retrain (40 per cent).
A total of 66 per cent of Bristolians have now pledged to become healthier, and 46 per cent said the lockdown had made them realise the importance of spending time with loved ones.
The survey findings are revealed as the country prepares for Friday’s EuroMillions draw, (28 August) - a rollover with an estimated whooping £126M jackpot up for grabs.
And amazingly only a quarter (27 per cent) of people said they would retire if they won the jackpot.
A total of 21 per cent said they would become involved with charity work if they won big, 31 per cent would train for their dream job, and 37 per cent said they would learn a new trade.
Commenting on the findings, Camelot’s Senior Winners’ Advisor, Andy Carter said, “2020 seems to have left many of us wanting more from our jobs, thinking about what our next career move might be or jacking it all in to do something that we really love.
“Our passion for gardening and cooking in lockdown and months of home-schooling has clearly inspired the nation to consider a career overhaul and realise the importance of job satisfaction.
“And the importance of our careers doesn’t appear to change even after a lottery win, with only a few looking to quit their jobs if they win.
"Over half of National Lottery winners still work in some capacity and just under a quarter of them have started their own business after their win, turning their hand to floristry, hairdressing – we even have one that has invented their own spicy sauce!”
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