8 in 10 people would leave their job to learn a craft

Figures revealed as Michel Roux Jr undertakes craft tour of Britain for new series

Almost 8 in 10 people are willing to ditch their office job to learn a craft, according to new research.

Conducted by The Balvenie whisky, it was revealed that if money were no object, 77% of people would instantly leave their jobs to re-train in a fine craft.

Those asked largely underestimated the amount of time it takes to develop a craft, believing it to take 2,000 hours as opposed to the actual 10,000.

Almost 8 in 10 people are willing to ditch their office job to learn a craft (Balvenie)

Photography, interior design and pottery topped the list for would-be craft connoisseurs of the 2,000 asked.

When asked for their main reasons for taking up a craft, over 6 in 10 (62%) claimed that they find it therapeutic, in contrast to the daily stress of an office job.

Other potential crafts featuring high up the list include becoming a chef, jewellery designer or landscape gardener.

A craft revival already appears to be in full force; as almost a third (31%) of respondents claimed to have taken up a craft – either part or full time – in the last five years. Photography (12%), cookery and/or baking (7%), music (6%), illustration (4%) and landscape gardening (3%) proved to be the most popular choices.

The most likely to quit their jobs were security attendants (95% of those surveyed wanted to jump ship), followed closely by IT consultants (91%) and accountants (87%).

The study was commissioned to launch The Craftsmen’s Dinner short film series for Balvenie Whisky. The series features two-Michelin starred chef Michel Roux Jr, undertaking a tour of craftsmanship around the UK.

The full video featuring Michel Roux Jr and Will Ferraby can be viewed​ here.