A third (30%) of those surveyed cited better opportunities in other professions as the main reason for their reluctance and one in four believed their children could earn higher financial rewards elsewhere or enjoy a better work/life balance (29% and 25% respectively).

Selena Brady, Senior Consultant of Hudson’s Sales & Marketing team said "It is unfortunate to find from this research that many sales & marketing professionals would not want their children to follow in their footsteps. For me, this negative outlook points more to the work environment and rewards system of many sales & marketing positions as opposed to the profession itself.  From my experience the main concerns raised by sales & marketing professionals are based around company culture, career development, the potential for progression and reward both in simple recognition of achievement and financially.  I think today people are asking more and more from their employer, and each employer needs to look at how they treat each individual. If they want long term commitment they need to look at how they can offer continual development and the possibility of career progression.  Today’s sales & marketing professional is looking for more than a job, they want a career and, even in this tougher climate, if they are not getting this in their current role they will look elsewhere”   

Hudson conducted the study among 1,000 UK and Ireland workers in professional employment to assess whether employees were satisfied with the financial rewards, opportunities for progression and work/life balance offered by their current job.

Selena Brady, Senior Consultant, Hudson Sales & Marketing