Monster-Gfk Survey: Is Where You Work a Job or a Career?

Monster.com, the leader in successfully connecting people to job opportunities and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:MWW), and GfK, an independent global market research company, released international survey data revealing that over forty percent of Americans think of their current employment as ‘just a job’. More than 8,000 respondents in seven countries responded to the question: "Do you view the work you do to be a career or just a job?” The results show that French workers are the most likely to say they have a ‘career’ rather than ‘just a job’, with US workers coming third in the rankings:

1. France (70 percent)

2. Canada (69 percent)

3. US (57 percent)

4. UK (43 percent)

5. India (43 percent)

6. Netherlands (38 percent)

7. Germany (25 percent)

"It is interesting to note that despite ranking third internationally, the US falls significantly behind France, as well as our Canadian neighbors, in terms of being career minded about our jobs,” said Chris Moessner, Vice President for Public Affairs, GfK. "A lot of the international differences can be accredited to varying cultural norms, both in terms of how we think about work and what it means in terms of being a life time commitment. Cultural differences aside, every worker should ask him or herself if they see a future with their job or their chosen career. If the answer is ‘no,’ it’s probably time to find better.”

The following answers were received in the US:

• Just a Job – 41 percent
• A Career – 57 percent
• Don’t know – 1 percent

America’s younger generations are the least likely to be career-minded, with 62 percent of those aged 18-35 stating they consider their employment as just a job rather than being part of a longer term career plan, compared with 28 percent of those aged 36-44 and 31 percent aged 45-54.

The research also shows that income impacts how likely Americans are to consider their work part of a career. While more than four in five (82 percent) of the US’s top earners consider their employment a career rather than a job, this number slides with perfect correlation as income falls. Only 33 percent of those in the lowest income bracket consider their current employment a career.

"Whether someone sees themselves as having a career or ‘just a job,’ their work life can have a big impact on overall happiness. With the start of a new year, we may see a renewed effort by Americans to pursue a position they find rewarding and enjoyable,” said Joanie Courtney, employment industry advisor and Senior Vice President of Monster.

About the Survey

Surveying over 8,000 people in Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, UK and US, this survey was conducted using GfK’s GLOBOBUS, a monthly global omnibus study.

In the United States, the data was collected using dual-frame telephone methodology, to maximize participation and representativeness of respondents, including younger and older adults as well as landline and cell phones. The total sample size for this study is 1,007. For questions only asked of working Americans, the weighted sample size is 511.

About GfK

GfK is one of the world’s largest research companies, with more than 13,000 experts working to discover new insights into the way people live, think and shop, in over 100 markets, every day. GfK is constantly innovating and using the latest technologies and the smartest methodologies to give its clients the clearest understanding of the most important people in the world: their customers. In 2012, GfK’s sales amounted to €1.51 billion. To find out more, visit www.gfk.com.

GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications is a division of GfK. The group specializes in customized public affairs and public opinion polling, media and corporate communications research, and corporate reputation measurement in the US and globally. In addition to delivering a broad range of customized research studies.

About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:MWW), is the global leader in successfully connecting job opportunities and people. Monster uses the world's most advanced technology to help people Find Better, matching job seekers to opportunities via digital, social and mobile solutions including monster.com^®, our flagship website, and employers to the best talent using a vast array of products and services. As an Internet pioneer, more than 200 million people have registered on the Monster Worldwide network. Today, with operations in more than 40 countries, Monster provides the broadest, most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment and talent management capabilities globally. For more information, visit about-monster.com.

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