Over half of young European tech workers are considering leaving the sector as dissatisfaction with tech intensifies amid the downturn.

The tech world often seeks to attract young talent, but a new report from HR platform provider HiBob and VC Eight Roads shows that people in their 20s are becoming more disillusioned with the sector.

The survey of 2,005 workers between the ages of 20 and 30 across seven European countries found some 54% of tech workers are seeking a career change. A further 35% said they feel unhappy in their roles, and only 29% of respondents intend to stay in their current jobs for the foreseeable future.

"There is an entire generation of people entering the European tech workforce for the first time, or taking their first steps in their career, while attempting to navigate huge instability—economically, politically, and socially," Eight Roads managing partner Davor Hebel said. "At a critical moment for European economies, our survey finds that the hopes and aspirations of many young people in tech are not being fully addressed."

An exodus of young tech talent could have serious implications, especially for early-stage startups that are unable to compete on salary against the likes of Amazon or Google for experienced professionals. Workers in the UK, Ireland and France were found to have the lowest level of job satisfaction.

A lack of compensation, career development and concerns over layoffs are among the main causes of dissatisfaction among these tech workers—fears that are becoming more real as the economic conditions worsen. 

Since the beginning of the year, several startups and tech companies have had to reduce their staff numbers as extending runway became a priority. Big names like Klarna and Gorillas are among those who have made significant cuts to their workforces. Pay packets for incoming tech workers are likely to contract as businesses struggle with funding. 

Job security is increasingly a priority for 20- to 30-year-olds as they cope with the rising cost of living. The survey found that 37% of those surveyed would stay in their roles with better career progression and 34% with an increase in salary.

"These findings suggest young people in tech have lost faith in their employers and the tech industry's big promises," HiBob CEO Ronni Zehavi said. "Responsible employers should take this as a warning and listen to their concerns or risk losing the best and brightest."

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This article originally appeared on PitchBook News