What’s prompting this question is a recent press release by a professional body in the US that said job satisfaction in the nation is at its lowest in two decades.
A survey conducted by The Conference Board said that, of the 5,000 American households polled, only 45% said they were satisfied with their jobs. This is down from the nearly 62% recorded in 1987. It surprises that the latest to enter the job market are the ones who seem to be the most frustrated with their jobs… and especially more so with the younger generation. Nearly 40% of those employed under the age of 25 are unhappy with their jobs.
The key factors that cause issues with job satisfaction include unpalatable relations with co-worker(s) and/or boss, salary (of course!), opportunities for growth, internal resources or the will to succeed, boredom and insecurity.
If you find yourself in such a situation, quitting the job may not always be the best option, says an expert. You might first want to consider if you are able to change what’s making you unhappy — or you could change your perspective of the situation. Conflict with bosses normally arises from job insecurity, so perhaps you might want to suggest a one-to-one talk with your superior. Other ways include requesting more responsibility, acquiring additional qualifications, and even get counseling.
