Cheezhead Recruiting News and Opinion

Thinking of quitting your job? You’re not alone.

The recent 2009 Job Forecast survey from CareerBuilder found that 19 percent of workers plan to look for a new job this year and the same amount of people plan to leave their current job before the year is out. And, despite the ominous predictions for the job market, six out of 10 workers say the economy and job market won’t change their plans to change jobs.

“January is typically one of the busiest job search months of the year and this year should be no exception with increased unemployment combined with workers who are putting their New Year’s resolutions into action,” Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources at CareerBuilder, said.

“Although seven-in-ten workers say they are satisfied with their jobs, some are always on the lookout for a greener pastures,” Haefner added. “In fact, 82 percent of workers said while they are not actively looking for a new position, they would be open to one if they came across the right opportunity.”

The survey, which was conducted from Nov. 12 through Dec. 1, 2008, and included more than 8,800 workers, found that people want to leave their jobs and look for new work because:

• 49 percent are looking for better pay or career advancement opportunities
• 14 percent are looking for an environment where they feel more appreciated
• 10 percent want to work for a company that’s making a difference
• 7 percent are embarking on changing career paths
• 3 percent want more flexibility or are going back to school

At the same time, those who plan to search for jobs online may have a hard time. The Conference Board announced this week that online job postings decreased by 507,000 to 3.86 million during December 2008. Every state except South Dakota saw decreases in postings.

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