You're Happy at Work

Posted by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen Sep 2, 2007

People over age 65 are most satisfied at work, reports a new University of Chicago study (maybe because they're working because they want to be there. How many people have to work past age 65?).

Of hundreds of people interviewed, 86% are satisfied with their jobs, and 48% are very satisfied. Only 4% are very dissatisfied. You're more likely to be satisfied if you're educated and earning more money. If you're doing unskilled labor you're the least satisfied.

If you're gossiping at work, you could wind up least happy of all. The most satisfying professions involve helping people: teaching, protecting, caring for others.

Creative pursuits also make people happy at work. The researchers didn't report on working from home - which has been one of my absolute favorite jobs ever. Some people love the 10-second commute while others need the structure of the boss and the camaraderie of coworkers.

Overcoming the challenges of the telecommute can require a lot of discipline; maybe it's a better job for introverts, not extroverts. Get back to work ---- you know you want to!