Londoners are facing a ‘confidence dip’ when it comes to further developing their professional potential, according to new research that reveals nearly a third (31%) feel they’ve lost faith in their ability to learn and develop new skills.

The study of 3,000 adults1 across England found that career confidence peaks at just 20 years old for those in London, with more than two fifths (44)% of respondents admitting they’ve lost the sense of “endless possibilities” they felt when younger.

Nationally, the research identifies three primary obstacles preventing adults from pursuing further professional development at this stage in their career:

57% feel they are “too old” to learn new skills

47% lack the motivation to begin upskilling

32% feel overwhelmed when they try to learn something new

The findings suggest that whilst confidence is a concern across generations, there is interest and appetite to explore and overcome these worries. Nearly half (45%) of Londoners said discovering a course or topic that genuinely inspires them would restore their
confidence, while two in five (40%) are excited about their untapped potential.

Professor Steve Peters, psychiatrist, commented, “Often psychological barriers, such as feeling unsupported, incorrect self-perception, or past experience, can prevent us from embarking on new learning opportunities and pathways in life. Finding and
removing these barriers can unleash your true potential. Even more importantly, developing a positive mindset and creating opportunities can bring success and self-fulfilment. A change of mindset is always an option for everybody.”

At a national level, for teenagers at a different stage of life, 38% express excitement about their future career prospects, however of the 1,0001 14-19 year olds surveyed, this optimism is tempered by some nervousness in choosing the right next step for them,
with 41% worried about committing to a path and making the “wrong choice.” Additionally, 58% wish their parents or guardians were more supportive of exploring different skills and education pathways with them.

For teens, learning in a way that suits them (43%) and having the flexibility to explore different paths and change direction if needed (37%) would help them feel more confident about the road ahead.

Professor Peters continues, “When we are in our teens, we look to role models but we unconsciously search for the traits that we see as being successful and we feel we can attain. These traits are often subtle, such as being proactive, being resilient,
or being compassionate. If teenagers can recognise this, then their self-esteem and even direction in life can be significantly changed.”

To remind people of what is possible, the Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign is encouraging the nation to use the summer months to reflect on their skills and strengths, and consider what technical training routes could do for them.