The exact ages people make their biggest life changes – from moving abroad to switching careers

Brits are making major life changes in their 30s and have bigger plans for the future than ever, according to new research. 

The average person now moves abroad at 31, switches career at 32, starts a business at 33 and launches a side hustle at 34.

Four in 10 say they are more ambitious than ever while 85% are currently working towards a major life goal, according to the study by Vodafone.

But despite this, people wait an average of two years before acting on their ambitions, leaving 20% feeling a twinge of regret and admitting they wish they had acted sooner. 

Financial constraints (22%) emerged as the biggest barrier holding people back, with a lack of confidence or self-belief (15%), lack of time (13%), fear of failure (12%) and limited access to resources or tools (9%) also preventing people from getting started.

A major life event often provides the push people need to pursue long-held ambitions. For those who said a life experience was the biggest catalyst, the most common were bereavement (27%), losing a job or being made redundant (25%) and becoming a parent (25%).

More broadly, other triggers include realising life is too short to keep waiting (26%), achieving greater financial stability (23%) and feeling more confident (22%). 

The research also shows how central technology has become in helping people turn ambition into action with 42% believing improved connectivity has helped them achieve their goals. 

To help people turn ‘one day’ into today, Vodafone has opened the UK’s first Opportunity Hub, a space designed to provide the tools, technology, advice and connections needed to unlock opportunity.

Speakers at a launch event on Thursday included Rochelle Humes and Roman Kemp, alongside journalist, author and social advocate, Anna Whitehouse, executive coach and psychotherapist David Waters and content creator and entrepreneur, Jade Beason.

Experts from Enterprise Nation and Vodafone also shared practical advice and support, helping attendees turn their ambitions into reality.

A VodafoneThree spokesperson says: ‘Britain isn’t short of ambition. The challenge is turning ambition into action.

‘Our research shows that connectivity is increasingly part of that equation, with nearly two-thirds of would-be founders saying unreliable connectivity has held them back from starting a business locally.

“That’s why we’re investing in initiatives like The Opportunity Hub and our £11billion plan to build the UK’s best network.’

Find out more about VodafoneThree’s commitment to building the UK’s best network and what opportunities that brings here.