NEW JOB ON 'TO-DO LIST' FOR ONE QUARTER OF EMPLOYED AMERICANS IN '08
SnagAJob.com U.S. labor survey suggests economic concerns are propelling many workers to consider second jobs
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 2, 2008 – One in four U.S. workers is resolving to get a new job in the year ahead, a figure that rises dramatically for those who are employed hourly, 18-34 years old or Hispanic, according to a just-released survey of the nation's labor force.
The survey, commissioned by SnagAJob.com, the No. 1 source for hourly employment, and conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading, independent, global-market research firm, found that 26 percent of employed Americans said they will look for a new job in 2008. Nearly one third (31%) of hourly workers, 40 percent of Americans ages 18-34 and 54 percent of employed Hispanics said they plan on job hunting. Conversely, 19 percent of salaried workers said they will be in the market for a new job.
The survey also found that, given the uncertain direction of the U.S. economy, several circumstances could have U.S. workers considering additional work. When asked what economic conditions would cause them or someone in their household to contemplate a second job, 27 percent of respondents cited an increase in energy prices, with an identical percentage citing higher monthly housing costs and the same number indicating the inability to get ahead on their current salary. (Respondents could select more than one choice.) One in five Americans said none of these or other listed circumstances (including 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 work force, 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. Comparatively, just 55 percent of Midwest respondents said they would give up job satisfaction for more money. Most younger workers – those ages 18-34 – placed a higher value on pay than on happiness on the job (73%).
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About the Survey
The SnagAJob.com survey was conducted Dec. 4, 2007-Dec. 13, 2007 by IPSOS Public Affairs, an independent and global, survey-based research company owned and managed by research professionals. As part of its weekly U.S. Telephone Omnibus Study, IPSOS interviewed 1,011 employed adults ages 18 and older, reaching a representative sample of America's population of hourly and salaried workers. The margin of error for the entire survey is 3.08% at a 95% confidence level. The survey included 241 workers who plan on looking for a new job in 2008, and the margin of error for this sub-population is 6.31% at a 95% confidence level.
About SnagAJob.com
SnagAJob.com, America's largest hourly job Web site, has helped connect hourly workers with quality full-time and part-time jobs in a wide range of industries since 2000. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., SnagAJob.com also provides both job seekers and employers with valued insights and a cutting-edge interface that are unique to hourly employment. That, combined with more than 120 million annual searches, 8 million registered job seekers and 100,000 active job postings, makes SnagAJob.com exceptionally qualified to share the experiences of the hourly workforce with the rest of the country. Current clients include The Home Depot®, Target®, FedEx®, Boston Market®, Chick-fil-A®, Bed Bath & Beyond®, T-Mobile®, Michaels® and Jiffy Lube®. Learn more about the No. 1 source for hourly employment at SnagAJob.com.
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