LinkedIn Poll: What’s Holding You Back From Upskilling?

Picture this: You open a course tab during your break. Bookmark a webinar while replying to work emails. And promise yourself this weekend — for sure! However, the “Start Learning” button remains untouched week after week. Not because you do not want to learn, but because personal and professional commitments get in the way. Does this sound familiar to you?

Time is changing fast. AI and evolving market demands are reshaping career norms. In this landscape, upskilling has become a vital part of everyone’s journey to stay relevant. According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of the global workforce would require upskilling or reskilling in 2025. The pressure is real, and so are the roadblocks.

So, instead of guessing, we @LearningRoutes ran a LinkedIn Poll — one question, four options. A LinkedIn Poll on what could be the biggest challenge in upskilling. From what we received, the responses were insightful. Here goes the poll:

The Question: “What is Your Biggest Challenge in Upskilling?”

Option 1: Time Management

Option 2: Financial Investment

Option 3: Finding the Right Course

Option 4: Staying Motivated

The responses revealed valuable perspectives!

Time Management: 45% — The Clear Winner

With 45% of votes, time management emerged as the most common issue among learners seeking to upskill. It indicates that, regardless of how motivated you are, time management is often the biggest roadblock for many.

Here is Why It Matters

According to Economic Times (2024), 44% of employees find it difficult to upskill due to a lack of time. Between work, family, and other commitments, learning requirements often take a backseat. Time management is a skill that requires sheer dedication and consistency to move ahead continuously.

Smart Fixes You Can Apply

• ✅
  Make a fixed learning slot daily and follow it.
• ✅
  Use microlearning platforms or methods (study 15-20 minutes/day).
• ✅
  Track your weekly progress.
• ✅
  Prefer learning through podcasts and audiobooks during commutes or free time.
• ✅
  Say “no” to non-priority commitments.

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Finding the Right Course: 22% — The Decision Dilemma

While the majority of people lag due to time management, many find it challenging to get the right course. 22% of respondents claimed difficulty in discovering the right course. This significant number highlights how the abundance of choices can sometimes lead to confusion instead of clarity.

Attend free online counselling to find the right course

Here is Why It Matters

A 2025 World Metrics survey stated that 70% of employees reported not having access to the courses and training they truly need. Randomly picking any course can significantly lead to a waste of time and money. Choosing the right courses that align with your job or future career options is crucial for career growth.

Smart Fixes You Can Apply

• ✅
  Follow genuine recommendations from industry experts, not promotional ones.
• ✅
  Only opt for accredited and recognised courses.
• ✅
  Attend free webinars or demo lectures before enrolling.
• ✅
  Choose courses that involve training, project work, and in-depth knowledge.

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Financial Investment: 21% — The Budget Blocker

Ranked third, financial investment is one of the major hurdles for more than 1/5th of learners. Money plays a vital role in upskilling with the desired courses for many individuals. Affordable courses allow learners to manage their budget for studies along with their other priorities.

Here is Why It Matters

A report from Economic Times (2024) mentioned that 19% of professionals find financial constraints a major setback in upskilling. According to Time Doctor’s (2025) report, the average salary of professionals in India is INR 3,58,000 per annum. This amount is barely considerable for individuals who have family responsibilities.

Smart Fixes You Can Apply

• ✅
  Consider free or affordable courses from authentic platforms such as SWAYAM Plus courses, Coursera, or Google certificates.
• ✅
  Look for discounts and scholarship options.
• ✅
  Leverage YouTube tutorials for upskilling before enrolling in any course.
• ✅
  Prioritise skills over brands.

Also Read: Top Online Master’s Degree in India

Staying Motivated: 12% — The Silent Struggle

Least chosen, but a pivotal one. 12% of respondents believe that staying motivated is the primary challenge in upskilling for their career. And it is true! Even the best courses seem irrelevant when your hopes are down. Even with time and resources, consistency often fails with a lack of motivation.

Here is Why It Matters

Enhancing job performance was the main motivation for 57% of individuals, as per a Bridge LMS report (2024). Jim Rohn once said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going”. Meaning — even with the determination and consistency, motivation is the first step to begin with anything, including “upskilling”.

Smart Fixes You Can Apply

• ✅
  Break down learning into mini goals to achieve daily.
• ✅
  Set weekly rewards to appreciate your achievements.
• ✅
  Join learning groups and communities for external motivation.
• ✅
  Try learning with a study partner, whether virtual or face-to-face.

The Final Thoughts

Time slips away in a blink. Plenty of choices lead to confusion and uncertainty. Budget management holds back thousands of professionals. And motivation often plays hide and seek. This poll helped us understand that every barrier to upskilling is shaped by some real-life situations. Be it a packed schedule, financial limitations, course overload, or burnout on the days off. Understanding which challenge is holding you back is the first step to moving forward. Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to upskilling. So, take measures based on your constraints. What’s your opinion?