Many Workers Resolve To Find New Jobs in ’08; Some May Find Two January 2008
By Theresa Minton-Eversole
Approximately one in four U.S. workers expects to get a new job during 2008, and that percentage rises dramatically for those who are employed hourly, are 18-34 years old or are Hispanic, according to the results of a recent survey.
The survey, conducted by the web site SnagAJob.com and the independent, global survey research firm IPSOS Public Affairs, found that 26 percent of employed Americans said they will look for a new job in 2008, while nearly one third (31 percent) of hourly workers, 40 percent of Americans ages 18-34 and 54 percent of employed Hispanics said they plan on job hunting. Conversely, only 19 percent of salaried workers said they will be in the market for a new job.
The survey found that given the uncertain direction of the U.S. economy, several circumstances could serve to make many U.S. workers consider taking on additional work.
When respondents were asked what economic conditions would cause them or someone in their household to contemplate a second job, 27 percent cited:
• Increases in energy prices.
• Higher monthly housing costs.
• Inability to get ahead on their current salary.
One in five said that none of these or other listed circumstances, such as education expenses and underperforming investments, would compel them to consider a second job.
“The overall employment picture in the U.S. remains strong, but this survey suggests that there are underlying concerns in the workforce, particularly with respect to uncertainty over the impact of the housing crisis and rising energy prices,” said Shawn Boyer, CEO of SnagAJob.com. “With such uncertainty, and with a desire to get ahead, many American workers will be seeking new or additional employment in 2008. The year ahead could see increased competition for the most desirable hourly jobs.”
When considering what’s important in a new job, two in three potential job seekers said they would be willing to forgo job satisfaction in exchange for better pay.
In some parts of the country, some would-be job hunters were even more motivated by a bigger paycheck: Nearly three in four in the Northeast (74 percent) said they would take a job offering more money, even if that position might provide less job satisfaction. By contrast, just 55 percent of Midwest respondents said they would give up job satisfaction for more money.
Not surprisingly, 73 percent of younger workers between the ages of 18 and 34 placed a higher value on pay than on happiness on the job.
But another poll of 1,200 adults age 18 and older conducted recently by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Center for State and Local Government Excellence finds that health insurance and security—not pay—are at the top of Americans’ list of desirables in a job.
Whether job satisfaction comes from health insurance, job security, the promise of a retirement income or clear work policies, Americans want a lot more than just a paycheck from their employment. Given a list of 15 benefits and factors that are considered important in choosing a job, 84 percent of respondents ranked health insurance at the very top. Among the other factors noted as important:
• Job security and clear policies and procedures (82 percent each).
• Retirement or pension plan (76 percent).
• Flexible, family-friendly workplace (71 percent).
Pay ranked 10th (65 percent), trailing such matters as getting quick decisions on issues (69 percent), working with talented managers (68 percent), having the potential for promotions (66 percent) and being creative and intellectually stimulated (66 percent). |
