New AAT research has revealed that more than one in four British workers want to leave their job and are considering setting up their own business.

Of the 2,000 employees polled, 27% were unhappy with their working life, and almost half said they are considering setting-up their own business. Participants cited job satisfaction, financial independence, a better work/life balance and flexible working as the main advantages of becoming self-employed.

Despite such a high percentage of workers wanting to set-up their own business, many were discouraged by three key reasons: lack of funding, confidence and financial know how.

Mark Farrar, chief executive of AAT commented: “working for yourself can be an exciting and exhilarating experience. Indeed, many AAT students go on to successfully work for themselves across a diverse range of sectors from the arts, design and technology, to running their own business from home. Self-employment is an extremely attractive option once you have the right tools, giving individuals greater freedom and satisfaction in their working life and the potential to increase their earnings.”

Lindsey Dove started her own candle shop from home after being diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome. The AAT qualified entrepreneur and mum loves working for herself. “I love the creative aspect. Being able to produce something that utilises my technical aptitude and artistic skill is very fulfilling. The feedback from my customers has been overwhelming; this really makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Signs that Brits are unhappy in their jobs

The survey uncovered a surprising list of signs that the British workforce dislike their current job, ranging from dreading work on a Sunday night to killing time in the office. Having extended toilet breaks, offering to fetch frequent rounds of tea and running unnecessary errands for colleagues were also mentioned.

Feeling unnoticed professionally was an issue for many, with 16% confessing to feeling overqualified, and 13% saying their ideas are constantly ignored.  Not fitting in with colleagues was also shown to be a reason to hate work; a fifth confessed they ‘don’t fit in’ while 16% admitted to coming up with excuses to avoid work related social events.

One in six said the standard of their work suffers due to their dislike of their job, with others admitting they no longer care about presenting themselves smartly.

 A whopping seven in ten admitted they find themselves counting down the hours until the end of the day, with almost half admitting they dread the week ahead on Sunday night.

10 signs you hate your job (and should consider working for yourself)

1. You get anxious about work on a Sunday night

2. You have lunch on your own to get away from colleagues

3. You work the minimum number of hours required

4. You are constantly looking at the clock

5. You often moan about your job to friends and family

6. You take extended toilet breaks

7. You dread going into work in the morning

8. You feel you don’t fit in within the office

9. You find any excuse to get out of the office

10. You have perfected the ‘looking busy’ look

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AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.