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Lots of employees on lookout
for new jobs
Virginia Business
November 2005
Even when people are satisfied, many of them check out
opportunities for new jobs. According to a recent nationwide
survey of working adults by University of Phoenix, more
than two-thirds of the 2,500 people contacted, or 67
percent, said they are looking for another job.
These workers are sending resumes,
interviewing with companies, surfing job boards and
pursuing new skills
or an education in preparation for a job move — actions
that seem to fly in the face of job contentment. A majority
of the respondents, 76 percent, said they are satisfied
at their current place of employment.
The reason cited most frequently for a job change was
better pay, 58 percent, followed by no opportunities
for advancement, 47 percent, and the desire for a position
of greater responsibility (26 percent). Other survey
highlights:
On Phoenix University’s campuses in Virginia — in
Northern Virginia and Richmond — working adults
take courses online and in the classroom that will improve
their current job situation.
The average student is 34, has
10 years of work experience and has been out of school
for 10 years. The most popular
undergraduate degree is business management. At the graduate
level, it’s an MBA (masters in business administration).
Workers frequently return to school following some type
of trigger: “Whether it’s a missed promotion,
a new child, there’s something that makes them
realize that in order to advance, they need a degree,” says
Travis Allen, director of the Richmond campus.
His take on the survey is that it reflects changes
in today’s work culture. “The
average professional changes their job seven times in the course of a career.
People are always looking … and it’s easier to look today, without
going out and seeking, because they can post a resume on a career board. People
in general feel they need to look after their best interests.”
Some of
the survey highlights:
• One third, 34 percent, of the respondents plan to change
employers within the next three years. Statistics are
higher among Generation X (ages 26-39) and Y (ages 18-25)
workers, at 45 and 55 percent respectively.
• Employees say the best
parts of their current job are co-workers and good
management, 26 percent, followed
by flexible hours, 14 percent.
• Stress and low pay tied
as the worst parts of the job, followed by upper management
and co-workers. |
