Saddle Brook, NJ (February 3, 2005) – Soul mates. Meant to be. Head over heels. A few of the starry-eyed phrases frequently heard as Valentine's Day approaches. But, as Americans celebrate the joys of love on February 14th, how many would apply the same descriptions to their job? According to a survey conducted by Ajilon Office, 40% of Americans wake up Monday morning actually excited to begin a new week at work – only a mere 11% say they are filled with dread as the alarm rings.

The following are highlights from the survey:

• Women may be less apt to commit than men. When asked if they will be in their current field in five years, men slightly edge out women with 53% believing that they will be and only 47% of women thinking the same.
• The comforts of long-term relationships. The longer workers have been a part of the daily grind, the less they dread it. Only 6% of employees between the ages of 55 and 64 dread beginning a new workweek whereas 32% of workers between the ages of 18 to 24 are filled with apprehension.
• Cupid is aiming at the Northeast. Northeasterners are the happiest in their current job with 54% saying they would turn down another job offer right away. 44% of those in the Central states, 39% of Southerners and 34% of Westerners say the same.
• Working harder in the early stages of love. 83% of employees making between $25,000-$35,000 are excited when assigned a new project at work. This gusto decreases as the salary increases, with 67% of workers that make $10,000 more claiming to be filled with the same energy.
• Playing the field helps. Workers with less education tend to be more indecisive about their career path with 40% hoping they won't be in the same field in the next five years. For those that finished college, 60% have no doubt they'll be in the same field in the coming years.

“In the best scenarios, every job is a kind of romance,” said Neil S. Lebovits, CPA, president and COO of Ajilon Office. “We fall in love with our work, and develop life-long relationships with our clients and colleagues, and for the fortunate ones, the honeymoon lasts forever.”

A whopping 96% of employees realize that they have a pretty good gig going on and are not so eager to move on to a new job. Committed and content, 43% of workers would turn down a job offer from another company for a new position that didn't have a pay increase. With another 53% of workers saying that they would take time to weigh the pros and cons and not immediately jump ship.

“Making even small changes in your daily work, such as taking on a new project, can help rekindle the flame,” said Lebovits. “It's a good practice to evaluate your current job and look at what you like and what you don't, especially in today's competitive job market and as companies continue to tighten the belt around their long-term hiring strategies.”

For Americans looking to fall more in love with their jobs, Ajilon Office offers the following tips:

• Talk with your supervisor to inquire about becoming involved in new projects or other assignments that have more opportunities for growth.
• Participate in training sessions and professional development classes that are offered at your company. If these opportunities don't exist at your company, look for classes offered by industry associations or local colleges.
• Read the job description of the level above you to find out what tasks you need to master to move ahead.
• Interact with your co-workers, even if it's asking someone to go grab a coffee or walk to get lunch.
• Get involved in other areas of the company that highlight your interests whether it's helping to run a mentor program or organize the company's holiday activities or volunteer programs.

   

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