Survey: Nearly One-Third of Washingtonians Fear Job Loss

SEATTLE, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly one-third of Washingtonians are concerned about their job security amid signs of a slow-moving recovery, according to data released today in the 2nd Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey conducted by Harris/Decima on behalf of Everest College.

When asked about the high unemployment rate affecting the state and country, 29% of Washington workers said they were concerned about losing their job.

ATTENTION EDITORS: A panel discussion with Professor Paul Sommers, Seattle University Albers School of Business and Economics, Steven Frable, economist from IHS Global Insight, David Nelson, founder and president of David Nelson Associates and Wendy Cullen, vice president employer development for Everest College, will be held today at 10 a.m. PDT to discuss the survey’s findings.  To listen live, please visit http://webcasts.everest.edu and click on the 2nd Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey link or call (800) 860-2442 or (412) 858-4600 (international). Questions may be posed to panelists in advance by emailing them to moderator Evan Pondel at [email protected]. A replay of the panel will be available for 90 days following the live discussion and can be accessed by dialing (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088 (international). The conference ID number for the replay is 439926. The replay is also available by visiting the 2nd Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey link located at http://webcasts.everest.edu.

Meanwhile, 36% of survey respondents say they are considering returning to school. Of those, 24% are employed Washingtonians who would like to enhance their career and 22% would like to train for a new career, the survey said.

The survey indicated that most workers are not likely to change careers even if nothing stood in their way (57%). At the same time, 26% of Washingtonians indicated they would be very likely to change their careers if nothing stood in their way compared with 19% in 2009.

"The lack of workplace confidence is understandable considering Washington was hit hard last year by the failing economy and went through one of its roughest years ever from a jobs standpoint," said Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development for Everest College. "By all indications, I think there will be a slight uptick in employment opportunities this year.

"Washingtonians 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," Cullen added.

For example, as of January 2010, enrollment at Everest College's Washington campuses rose 56% when compared with January 2009, in large part due 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

The survey found that workplace anxiety levels continue to be high with nearly two-thirds (63%) of survey respondents claiming they suffer some form of work-related stress. The top stress factor cited by respondents was pay (26%), followed by fear of losing their job (17%).

If they lost their job, one-third (34%) of respondents said they would consider leaving Washington to search for a new job, with men more likely than women to look for a job outside of the state by a margin of 41% to 25%.

Uneasiness about job security is highest among respondents in lower income brackets. Those with annual household income less than $40,000 were more concerned about losing their job than those with income of $80,000 or more (37% vs. 18%).

"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," Cullen said.

Some careers offer brighter prospects than others.

Top Recession-Proof Careers

Based on U.S. Department of Labor industry trend information through 2016, as well as Everest College placement data, the following occupations continue to see high demand:

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

By the Numbers: 2nd Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey Fast Facts

• 16% of Washingtonians said that someone in their household has lost their job in the past 12 months. Those with a household income of less than $40,000 are significantly more likely to have experienced a job loss in their household during the past year (30%).
• Those with a household income less than $80,000 are more likely than those with a household income over $100,000 to indicate their pay causes stress (30% vs. 13%).
• When envisioning their dream jobs, 80% of employed Americans living in Washington State said doing something they love was most important, followed by better pay (54%).
• Those aged 18-34 are more likely to have considered returning to school, either to enhance their current career (41%) and/or to train for a new career (40%).

About the Survey

The 2nd Annual Washington Workplace Confidence Survey was conducted by Harris/Decima from March 4 to March 10, 2010. A total of 504 employed residents of Washington State were surveyed by telephone. Results are considered accurate to +/- 4.4% 19 times out of 20.

About Everest College

Everest College provides career-oriented diploma and degree programs in healthcare, criminal justice, skilled trades, business, paralegal, and information technology.  Everest College has six campuses in the greater Seattle area – Everett, Bremerton, Renton, Fife, Tacoma and Seattle.  Everest has 100 schools in the U.S. and Canada, and is owned by Corinthian Colleges, Inc., one of the largest post-secondary education companies in North America.  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

EDITOR'S NOTE: Wendy Cullen, vice president of employer development for Everest College, is available for interviews to discuss the survey and provide tips on recession-proofing your career.  To schedule an interview with Wendy or for more information on the 2nd Annual Washington State Workplace Confidence Survey, please contact Ron Neal or Evan Pondel at PondelWilkinson Inc.: Tel: 310-279-5980; Email: [email protected] and/or [email protected] 

SOURCE Everest College