Survey Says: American Workers Are Stuck in a Rut

Lack of advancement opportunities key factor

Many Americans are unhappy at work. According to new research conducted on behalf of Rasmussen College, almost one in five Americans say they are dissatisfied with their job, partially because they have no room to grow. In fact, more than half of the 2,000 U.S. adults surveyed say they don’t have significant growth opportunities in their current positions.

Only 24% of those surveyed say they feel they’re doing what they set out to do. That number rises to 39% for those with a graduate or professional degree.

The survey also highlighted potential reasons for attrition in the workplace. Almost two-thirds of the adults surveyed said they have considered quitting their job. Of those, 51% say they have thought about leaving because they don’t get paid enough. Other reasons include a lack of advancement opportunities (31%), being unfulfilled (26%), too stressful (24%) and not using their education or skills (21%).