Only one in 10 people are doing the jobs they dreamed of when they were children according to a new study.
The research, commissioned by lifestyle company Simba, also found that just over one in 10 people at one point did work in their perfect job.
Figures released, following a survey of 2,000 people across the UK, also revealed that around seven in 10 people believe “you are never too old to let go of your childhood dreams” whilst eight in 10 said they were still to achieve theirs.
For three in five of the respondents hanging onto your dream is a great source of hope, even if you are unlikely to achieve the goal.
The study also found one in two ambitious people in the UK have been advised to follow their dreams when they have hit upon hard times.
Of these, three in 10 were inspired by their friends and 36% were urged to grab the bull by the horns by their mum or dad.
One fifth can recall a particular teacher who encouraged them to forge forward, while another 24% were driven on by a caring partner.
And 55% believe lack of financial stability is the biggest barrier between them and their dreams, while 28% they don’t have enough time to dedicate to the cause.
When asked to reveal some of their more unusual aspirations, one thrill-seeking respondent had dreams of being a downhill skier, while another wanted to own their own steam engine.
Another jetsetter had dreams of seeing the world in their lifetime and has currently visited 51 countries so far, while another set themselves a more humble goal closer to home, of owning their own cat.