Over 60% of the working population would consider swapping long hours for a less stressful existence.
Bored at work? Money no longer a motivator? Dream of moving to a country cottage and quitting the rat race? Yes? Then you could be one of a growing trend of 'Lifeshifters' - people who are more interested in quality of life rather than a fat salary and luxury flat.
New research from savings giant, Prudential, shows that over three-fifths of the UK population would consider relocating to a cheaper area within the British Isles or would move abroad to take a less stressful, lower paid job and increase their leisure time - a phenomenon previously known as 'downshifting'. What's more, 38% of people would be happy to take a lower paid job in return for more leisure hours without making a geographical move. This points to a new phenomenon which Pru calls 'lifeshifting', where the exchange of a high speed, high gratification lifestyle for a slower paced, less materialistic one, is no longer viewed as a cop-out, but more of an aspiration.
Gary Shaughnessy, Director of Pru's Health & Wealth business area, said: "The country cottage and move abroad are two things people normally associate with retirement. However, as our findings show, this is increasingly becoming an aspiration for the younger generations too. Whereas in the past ditching the rat race for a less stressful existence could be seen as a sign that you couldn't hack the pace, the 'lifeshifters' are showing us that for many people a balanced lifestyle is what really counts towards being fulfilled. However making a lifestyle change is a big deal and should be carefully thought out. It's not always as easy as simply throwing in the towel on a high-stress job, selling your home in the City and moving to the country to start your own business. Even if the new existence you crave is not centred around work and money, you still have to think about how much cash you will need and what assets you will use to make it possible. A big part of being stress-free is being well-prepared."
Three years ago, 53% of people said would consider downshifting or had already done it. Today that figure has risen to 61%. The age group most likely to consider it are those aged 35 to 44, with 65% of working Brits within that age band considering a lifestyle change or having done it already. The research also found:
* A good work life balance is the most important aspect of a job for a quarter of Brits
* Money is no longer a key motivator for 30% of the working population
* More than one in three Brits would consider moving abroad or have already done so
* A third of Brits would relocate to cheaper areas in the UK
