Survey: Many Floridians Feel Blue about Job Prospects in Next Year

TAMPA, Fla., June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The majority of Floridians, both employed and unemployed, concur that last year was not a good year, and that, in the next year, many doubt they'll see a promotion or be able to find employment if they decided to change or look for a new job, according to data released today as part of the Florida Workforce Happiness survey conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Everest University.

When asked to reflect on last year, 73% of Floridians had somewhat negative feelings. Specifically, Floridians indicated 2009 was depressing or a downright downer (41%) while 32% said it was mediocre. Unemployed Floridians reported even higher negative feelings, with 88% characterizing the year as mediocre, depressing or a downer.  

Although most Floridians said they think they'll be able to retain their current job (91%) despite the economy, nearly half (47%) said they doubted they would be promoted this year. Likewise, nearly half (47%) doubted they could find employment in the next year if they left their current work.

"The lack of confidence is understandable considering Florida was hit hard last year by the failing economy and went through one of its roughest years ever from a jobs standpoint," said Brad A. Little, divisional director of career services for Everest-Florida, which has 14 Everest campuses in Florida. "By all indications, I think there will be a slight uptick in employment opportunities this year."

"Floridians are probably a lot keener when it comes to taking the necessary steps to ensure job security such as seeking skills training and other educational programs to improve their prospects," Little added.

For example, enrollment at Everest Florida campuses rose in 2009, due in large part to the popularity of Everest's "recession-proof" healthcare programs, which include medical assisting, dental assisting and medical insurance billing and coding.

Worry in the Workplace

Among those who are employed, work-related stress was the top reason for feeling depressed about a job, with nearly a quarter (21%) of survey respondents citing stress.  Other top factors included work-life balance (20%) and pay (17%).

"With the economic environment continuing to weigh on the minds of Americans, it is critical that workers explore careers that have long-term growth opportunities," Little said.

Top Recession-Proof Careers

Some careers offer brighter prospects than others. Based on U.S. Department of Labor industry trend information through 2016, as well as Everest University placement data, the following occupations continue to see high demand:

1. Personal and Home Care Aides
2. Medical Assistants
3. Pharmacy Technicians
4. Legal and Accounting Administrative Assistants
5. Dental Assistants

About the Florida Workforce Happiness Index

The Florida Workforce Happiness Index survey was conducted by Harris/Decima in the first quarter of 2010. A total of 601 Florida residents were surveyed by telephone, of which 494 are employed and 107 are unemployed. Results based on the full sample are considered accurate to +/- 4.0% 19 times out of 20.

About Everest Universities and Institutes

Everest provides career-oriented diploma and degree programs in business, healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, paralegal and information technology.  Everest has more than 15,000 students at 14 campuses in Florida and participates in the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System. Everest is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America with more than 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada.  For more information, visit www.everest.edu.

About Harris/Decima

Harris/Decima is part of Harris Interactive, a global leader in custom market research. Harris Interactive serves clients globally through its North American, European and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms. For more information, visit www.harrisdecima.ca or www.harrisinteractive.com.

SOURCE Everest University; Harris/Decima