More than half of people believe they could land their dream job but are held back by fear and doubt, figures claim.

Concerns over finances and a lack of confidence over ability means 53 per cent of workers are jobs they don't enjoy, research from Aegon UK shows.

The poll found two in five wouldn't leave their current role because they can't afford or risk having no job, while a quarter said they were scared of starting over in a new position.

In fact, only 12 per cent of UK workers say they are in their dream role, Aegon said.

This is despite 54 per cent saying their dream job is realistic, and 58 per cent saying achieving their dream role is important. 

The figures show 14 per cent of people say there is nothing holding them back from achieving their dream job, but they haven't done so.

Dr Tom Mathar, head of Money:Mindshift at Aegon UK, said: 'To earn an income is a basic foundation of financial wellbeing. 

'Without it, there's no ability to spend, save, or invest for the long term. Most of us don't just want a job, though - we want a job we enjoy and can thrive in.

'While the desire is there, the path often feels blocked. Some barriers are practical, but many are emotional - like the fear of starting over, applying for a new role, or finding that the next job is worse. 

'Recognising those fears is valuable self‑awareness, and it suggests that courage may be the ingredient needed for change.'

Finding a new job is often difficult, and the process has been worsened by rising competition for jobs posted online, as well as 'ghosting' by employers who can't manage the amount of applications they receive.

As such, leaving a role, however bad it is, is no small decision to take when there is no promise of a position. 

Doing so could expose many to considerable financial difficulty, with around 30 per cent of people have £1,000 or less saved.

Aegon's research shows that 56 per cent of people wouldn't be able to sustain themselves financially for more than six months if they were out of work.

The poll showed 7 per cent of people wouldn't be able to fund any time out of work as they have no savings.

Mathar added: 'Two in five staying in jobs they don't enjoy believe that leaving would make life harder. 

'Sometimes, the role that keeps life in balance - health, family, work, wellbeing and wealth - may be just as good an option.

'Self‑awareness of [financial and emotional] needs is key to making the right decisions.'

Alice Hooper-Scott, director of the School of Life at Work, said: 'We often talk about 'dream jobs' as if they're indulgent or unrealistic - but for many people, they're really about autonomy, purpose and balance.

'What this research shows is that the barriers aren't laziness or lack of ambition; they're structural and emotional.

'A third of people cite lack of opportunities, while many others feel they don't have the right skills or are unsure what they truly want. These feelings are incredibly common.'