When things get rough, the ability to mend, change and mold yourself to fit with the new ways is necessary for survival and success. Since the job market and economy has been less than favorable for the past five years or so, Americans weren’t left with many other choices. Well, according to the Workplace Insights Survey discussed in the Consumerist, that is exactly what we are doing, for better or for worse. According to the survey, Americans are more flexible and accepting of temporary employment and look at it as a step towards permanent employment rather than a step below their expectations.
Precisely, the survey found that 63 percent of Americans “look at temp jobs more positively than they did last year, while 86 percent believe that a temporary gig is a viable option for someone who wants to gain work experience.” On top of that, 68 percent of those that participated stated that they would be more willing to search for a job that is outside their field or industry and 73 percent of the unemployed said they too would be more flexible if it meant they would find a job. As with any survey, these results need to be taken with a grain of salt. Not to say that the results are skewed or wrong, though they may be, but at first glance they may seem optimistic or great. However, what else are the unemployed supposed to do? It seems as though morphing and mending into a new mind state is a necessary step in dealing with a prolonged and very difficult unemployment run.
Of course those that are unemployed are going to try and look at the situation with a “glass half-full” mentality. Any other mentality would facilitate feelings of hopelessness, anger and sadness and we have already had enough of that. Furthermore, if they aren’t able to find full-time employment and part-time, temporary employment is all that is available to them what else are they to do? Remain unemployed because part-time work simply won’t cut it? Compared to no job, a part-time position is much better.
On the other hand, if the optimism and hope of the employed and unemployed increases, that can only mean good things for us, our job market and our economy. Last year, only 13 percent of workers asked for a raise and 32 percent of Americans actually received a bonus or a raise. This year, 41 percent of workers say they expect to receive a raise or a bonus and 24 percent plan on asking their employer for one, a significant increase from the 13 percent last year. This points to increased optimism and an increase in the idea that the market and economy is improving. If the survey is any indication, this year may be the beginning of the improvement we have been looking for. At the very least, one can hope.
SOURCE: The Consumerist
IMAGE: Courtesy of Blogging4Jobs
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