Less than a quarter of people in Bahrain are happy in their current jobs, according to a new survey.

However, it also found that 80 per cent of those questioned felt positive about the year ahead and achieving their career goals, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Bayt.com's Career Aspirations in the Middle East and North Africa survey found that people's main concerns in Bahrain were a lack of savings and low wages.

“59 per cent feel they deserve to work in a higher level position and 58pc state that a key reason for seeking employment is to be financially independent,” the survey said.

A total of 8,963 people across the region took part in the survey, but the number of respondents in Bahrain was not stated.

However, less than a quarter of those who did take part in Bahrain said they were happy at work.

“Overall, 24 per cent of Bahrain respondents are happy with their current work environment, though 72 per cent would be happy to relocate to another country for employment purposes,” said Bayt.com.

“The UAE is the most popular destination for Bahrain respondents who would consider relocating for employment purposes - it is also a top choice for 28 per cent of Mena respondents.”

It added that most people surveyed hoped to achieve personal goals this year.

“In terms of personal goals for 2015, 69 per cent of Bahrain respondents want to save more money, 41 per cent want to buy property and 31 per cent want to spend more time with family,” the survey said.

“Eight in 10 Bahrain respondents feel positive about the year 2015.”

However, financial issues were the main concern for 59pc of respondents in Bahrain, compared to 51 per cent of people surveyed in the entire Middle East and North Africa region.

“In Bahrain, this is followed by career path uncertainty (34 per cent) and work-life imbalance (35 per cent),” it said.

The most common goal set by Bahrain residents was a higher salary, new employment and new skills.

Career growth was a massive concern to Bahrain residents, with 71 per cent of respondents naming it as the most important factor when finding work.

However, over half of those surveyed in Bahrain said they deserved more from their employer - and almost half were willing to switch careers to find a job with prospects. - TradeArabia News Service