These days there is almost no such thing as a secure job. Very few people are lucky enough to find work and stay with the same company until they retire.
Today, UK workers typically change jobs every seven years. Sometimes they do so voluntarily, but most of the time they have no choice because the firm they are working for is downsizing, closing down or just changing the way they work.
UK workers have had to learn to be flexible and multi-skilled if they want to stay in employment for the majority of their working life. Often they end up doing jobs that they do not like just to pay the bills. However, being forced to work in a new industry or sector is not always a bad thing.
Take for example the tens of thousands of people who end up working in retail. For quite a few of them retail is not their first choice. However, the majority of them actually find that they enjoy the work.
Learn new skills
Importantly, whilst working in retail most workers learn new skills, some of which are transferable. Many people end up managing a team or learning a new skill like baking or butchery whilst working in retail. Most big retailers train their staff well. Some even pay for their employees to take courses that result in qualifications such as NVQs.
Once someone has worked in retail, for a year or so, they often become more attractive to employers from other sectors. In retail, it does not take long to fill out a thin CV.
Never be out of work
The other benefit is that once you have worked in retail for a year or so it is easier to find work in other shops and other retail outlets. Retail recruitment job boards always have literally thousands of open vacancies. This means that if you are between jobs you can always find shop work to tide you over until you find another full time job.