JLS boy band member JB Gill, who made a dramatic career change from popstar to farmer, is launching a new career coaching service, following research which reveals over half of Brits (53%) are considering quitting their job in 2022.
Despite having 10 UK number ones and selling over 10 million records worldwide, JB chose to get away from the limelight and set up a farm in the Kent countryside.
Now the singer is helping Brits switch up their careers in a new campaign with chewing gum brand Airwaves. Those looking to change up their job can book a virtual careers advice session with JB Gill this January.
The initiative follows new research by Airwaves that reveals January 21st is the day Brits are most likely to jack in their jobs.
Wanting a better work/life balance was the most commonly cited reason for Brits wanting to hand in their notice (33%) and over four in 10 of those surveyed (43%) admitted they dislike their boss.
Two thirds of Brits (67%) said they have re-evaluated their work situation as a result of the pandemic.
The new study of 2,000 working Brits, specially commissioned by chewing gum brand AIRWAVES, reveals a quarter of the nation (26%) dream of resigning by simply not showing up to work, while 21% dream of quitting dramatically in spectacular style like Bridget Jones did. In 2001 hit movie Bridget Jones's Diary, Renée Zellweger's Bridget famously delivered a killer putdown to her boss, Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver, in front of the whole office.
Amongst other humorous resignation fantasies, 13% of those polled would fantasise about writing a sarcastic ‘sorry for your loss card’ announcing their resignation.
The research revealed that January is the most popular month for Brits to jack in their jobs (40%), with nearly half of respondents (45%) stating that they would choose a Friday to hand in their notice – and over a third (37%) pinpointed Friday 21 st January as the ideal date to do it.
The brand has teamed up with JLS boy band star JB Gill to launch a new career coaching service. The popstar is no stranger to making massive career changes after swapping fame for a farm in the Kent countryside, where he rears pigs, turkeys and chickens.
JB has launched the service by starring in a witty video encouraging those that need help to sign up. In the video JB can be seen swapping from his popstar attire to his farming outfits, using famous JLS lyrics from their hit songs as a means to motivate those wanting to make a change to make the change.
When it comes to work life/balance, over a third (35%) of Brits say they would rather continue working from home than return to the workplace full time. Data reveals that 45% of those surveyed - rising to 60 per cent of Gen-Z for those under the age of 25 - would look for a new job if they were forced to come back in by their employer.
JLS favourite, JB Gill said; “I know what it’s like to go from one extreme to the other having taken up agriculture after being in the music industry. It’s good to make a change when necessary, sometimes you just need a little push or some advice and that’s why I’ve teamed up with AIRWAVES to help guide those people who might be lost with what they want to do.
Farming has since become a huge passion of mine; I’ve become more informed when it comes to food education and that is now something I want to pass onto others. You never know what a career change could do for you!"
The poll found that 75% see January as the perfect time to make major changes in their lives, with 40% seeing January as the perfect month to start a fresh career. And 60% make New Year resolutions to try and improve their lives in 2022.
Ulrike Stath, Head of Fresh at AIRWAVES said ‘It’s no surprise that people want a fresh start for 2022, but it seems that this year especially, people are focusing on getting their careers on track. At AIRWAVES, we’re all about empowering people to have a fresh outlook as well as a fresh mouth so we are delighted to have teamed up with JV Career Coaching and JB Gill to be able to offer some valuable help. The sessions are perfect for those who want to shake off their career or job hunting worries that may have been standing in their way”.
When compared by generation, Gen-Z are the most likely with consider quitting their job this January, with approximately 60 per cent considering resignation. Those aged 45 and older are the least likely to consider quitting, at 43%.
Men take the lead when it comes to considering quitting, with 56% of men considering walking away from their job, compared with 50% of women
Londoners are the most dissatisfied at work, with 63% of those polled from the capital looking to quit. Scottish residents were the least likely to consider quitting, at just 46%.
However, when it comes to job hunting, eight in 10 Brits (80%) admit that they find the prospect of searching for a new job daunting, whilst 78% say that they dread being interviewed for a new position.
Of those surveyed, 69% admit they are prepared to lie in interview to land their dream job and over half (52%) would have no qualms about lying on their CV, while 32% admit to lying on their CV in the past.
The interview question most likely to flummox job applicants – cited by 49% - is 'What is your greatest weakness’.
Ton 10 toughest interview questions, according to Brits are revealed as:
- ‘What’s your greatest weakness?’ (49%)
- ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ (46%)
- ‘Why should we hire you?’ (37%)
- ‘Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle’ (33%)
- ‘Tell me about yourself’ (33%)
- ‘How do you deal with a difficult colleague’ (28%)
- ‘How do you respond to criticism?’ (27%)
- ‘Why do you want this job?’ (24%)
- ‘What critical feedback do you most often receive?’ (22%)
- ‘Why do you wish to leave your current job?’ (22%)
Those needing a little help are asked to sign up by telling Airwaves what they need help in an email to help@airwavesgum.com. A number of 30 minute sessions with JV Career Coach are available on 28 th January.
JV Coaching will be on hand to facilitate one on one career coach sessions on the 28 th January, JB Gill will also be joining Joanne for a handful of lucky applicants. Amongst other areas they will be supporting on how best to answer those tough questions, CV review and general advice on career decisions.
Joanna Vinacour, of JV Career Coaching said: “The new year or January is ultimately a time for change, we reflect on the previous 12 months and put plans in place to better our lives, sometimes this means making a career shift.
"Realising you need to make a change, looking for a new job and pressure in making the right decision can make the entire process of job hunting incredibly daunting. This is why I've teamed up with AIRWAVES to offer free careers advice for those thinking of making a change.”
