The majority of the American workforce is currently unhappy at work. Surprisingly, this situation seems to be not even directly related to the recession. There has been a 4% drop in job satisfaction just between 2008 and 2009, but annual surveys by the Conference board research group have shown a steady downward trend: 20 years ago more than 60 % of workers were satisfied with their jobs, today only about 45% of those surveyed expressed satisfaction.
The youngest workers are particularly unhappy: Only about 36% are satisfied with their job.
There are several reasons for the growing dissatisfaction:
According to the survey, workers find the work itself less interesting. Further, the satisfaction with job security is down – no wonder with an unemployment rate of about 10 %. Rising costs of living and health care are also to blame as many workers had to accept a cut in income when companies downsized production and work hours.
Christiane Turnheim is psychologist, college teacher and Life & Career coach. Contact her at ten.u4hcaocnull@enaitsirhc