Americans Are Unhappy At Work — Here’s Why Now Might Be the Best Time To Job Hunt

There are plenty of reasons why Americans are feeling disenchanted with their jobs. Some have been working remotely since the pandemic and are now being called back to the office to do the same tasks they’ve done from home. Others are dealing with layoffs and the rising disparity between worker and executive pay. Taken together, all of these factors have contributed to growing dissatisfaction, leading some to brush off their CVs.

America is unhappy at work: Last week’s Gallup survey highlights this trend, showing job satisfaction among Americans has hit a 10-year low. Out of 20K workers surveyed, just 18% said they were “extremely satisfied” with their current jobs — a drop from 20% last year and 33% in 2014. Thankfully, there’s some hope for workers. Even though they don’t have the same leverage they had during the pandemic’s “Great Resignation,” improving job market data is working in their favor.

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that job openings rose to 7.74M in October — exceeding analyst estimates of 7.51M and reversing a decline in September.
• Further, November’s payroll report showed 227K jobs added, reversing October’s unseasonably low 36K additions — which came amid hurricanes, strikes, and layoffs.

Do I Stay (Or Do I Go)?

Despite the stronger data, ZipRecruiter chief economist Julia Pollak describes the current job market as “low hiring, low firing, and low job-switching.” She calls it the “big stay” — and it’s one reason why disenchanted Americans should begin their job search early. With searches taking longer for unemployed Americans, right now might be their best bet.

• Year-end can be a slow hiring period, but recruiters note that job applications and applicant quality tend to dip during this time — giving particularly qualified candidates a better chance to stand out.
• Additionally, many companies finalize their budgets and hiring plans at the end of the year, making December and January key months to look for new opportunities.

Take your time: Workers in the US have faced some of the most bizarre economic conditions in recent years, with generationally high unemployment in the early days of the pandemic — collapsing to generational lows coming out of it. While hourly wages have risen faster than inflation, job seekers might face more rigid demands from employers than in recent memory — including in-office work, higher salaries, and expanded responsibilities. If you’re considering a job change, weigh these factors carefully as you explore new roles.