A new report from MyPerfectCV, a leading UK CV builder, finds that workers across Europe are heading into 2026 with clear priorities: financial security, reduced stress, and greater balance.
Based on a survey of 1,000 employed adults across Germany, France, Spain, the UK, and Italy, the European Career Outlook 2026 report finds that over half (53%) of workers name higher pay as their top goal for the year ahead. Meanwhile, roughly a third cite better work–life balance and lower stress as their main objectives, suggesting a pivot from career ambition toward wellbeing and sustainable growth.
Key Findings
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Pay and Pressure Define 2026 Goals: 53% of European workers say earning more money is their top goal for 2026. 37% aim to reduce stress, and 34% seek better work–life balance.
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Over Two-Thirds Plan to Job Search: 67% are at least somewhat likely to look for a new job next year.
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Upskilling in Tech Takes Priority: 77% plan to upskill, with nearly 4 in 10 (37%) focusing specifically on tech skills such as AI or coding.
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Flexibility and Support Shape Job Satisfaction. 52% say higher pay would most improve job satisfaction. 34% want flexible hours, and 20% want wellness support.
“We’re witnessing what I call The Great Rebalance, a shift away from relentless ambition towards sustainable success,” said Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at MyPerfectCV. “Across Europe, workers still want to advance, but not at the expense of their wellbeing. Pay, balance and mental health now define career satisfaction.”
Top Career Goals for 2026
European professionals are refocusing on financial and personal well-being over promotions or career changes.
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Earning more money - 53%
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Reducing stress - 37%
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Achieving better work-life balance - 34%
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Learning new skills - 33%
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Starting a side hustle - 11%
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Changing careers - 10%
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Getting a promotion - 9%
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Starting a business - 7%
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No specific goals - 15%
Top Motivations for Changing Jobs in 2026
Among those planning to look for a new job, compensation and balance lead the list of motivators.
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Bigger salary - 50%
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Better work-life balance - 38%
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More interesting work - 31%
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More flexibility (remote/hybrid work or flexible hours) - 24%
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Career growth opportunities - 22%
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More challenging work - 17%
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Better commute or relocation - 16%
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Company culture and values - 9%
The findings suggest that European professionals are prioritising financial improvement and quality of life over traditional factors like promotions or prestige.
Job Search Intentions for 2026
When asked how likely they are to look for a new job in 2026:
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Very likely - 22%
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Likely - 25%
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Somewhat likely - 20%
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Not likely at all - 33%
In total, 67% of European workers say they are at least somewhat likely to search for a new job next year, while one in three plan to stay put.
Skills European Workers Plan to Develop in 2026
Upskilling remains a strong focus for European professionals, with technology and industry expertise leading the way.
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Tech skills (e.g., AI, coding) - 37%
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Skills specific to their industry - 35%
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Communication and interpersonal skills - 28%
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Leadership and management - 22%
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Networking and personal branding - 14%
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No plans to develop new skills - 23%
The data shows that most workers plan to invest in practical, future-ready competencies, particularly those tied to technology and their professional field. At the same time, nearly one in four do not intend to pursue new training next year.
Workplace Changes That Would Most Improve Job Satisfaction in 2026
When asked what would most enhance their job satisfaction, workers pointed squarely to compensation and flexibility.
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Higher pay - 52%
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Flexible hours - 34%
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Wellness support - 20%
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Fully remote option - 18%
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Clearer career path - 16%
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Better management - 16%
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Nothing would improve satisfaction - 14%
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Other factors - 3%
The findings reveal that salary remains the strongest driver of satisfaction, while interest in flexibility and wellbeing reflects a continuing shift toward balance and employee-centric workplaces across Europe.
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FMJ
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