Vast Majority Of Working Americans Reveal They Are Not In Their Dream Job, According To A USA Network Poll

NEW YORK, April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The vast majority of full time working Americans (79%) admit they are in jobs that do not reflect their true career passions, and if given a chance to land their dream gig, 83% would jump at the opportunity, according to a USA Network poll. The Poll was conducted in conjunction with USA's upcoming new reality series, THE MOMENT, which follows the stories of nine people who are given a second chance at pursuing their dream job and premieres April 11 at 10/9c.

A whopping 80% of Americans admit they have thought about abandoning their careers for something else at some point; 86% work to pay bills and survive; while a mere 13% were lucky enough to be living to work.  Out of those fortunate to have landed their dream gig, only 2 in 10 started off in that job. Also, 63% of working Americans would choose a different job if money didn't matter. 

"These findings reflect that many Americans feel trapped in their jobs," said legendary Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner, who is the host of THE MOMENT.  "As someone who went from working in a grocery store to ultimately becoming an NFL quarterback, I encourage everybody to follow their dreams.  The key to being happy in your job – and life – is to find your passion and live it.  It's never too late to rewrite your life story."

The poll found that Americans are crippled by fear and regret, with more than half afraid to switch careers and 42% citing family obligations as a barrier to pursuing their dream job.  Not surprisingly, older women (61%) are most likely to say they are scared to switch careers and younger men are least likely (48%).  And young men (89%) are most likely to take their dream job if it was offered.

Underscoring the financial barriers to the pursuit of happiness, the majority of Americans would leave their current job and do something else if they won the lottery.  42% would go to a different job, 32% would quit working altogether and 25% would stay. Not surprisingly, young people (47%) were more likely to say they would pursue a new career, while older people (38%) would declare, I'm done! and quit working altogether.

The erosion of the traditional 9-5 workday has led to a monumental shift in the commitment to work for the American workforce with, most surveyed feeling they are knocking themselves out 24-7. Two-thirds of respondents say they think about their job even when not at work; and 28% of full time working Americans must bring work home just to get everything done.

So what are the hot professions today that Americans really crave? Topping the list were professional athlete (11%), actor/actress (10%), CEO (10%) and Chef (9%).  Teacher, pilot, artist and doctor each got 8%.

Methodology 
Gfk Custom Research LLC, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Group conducted interviews with a total of 1,016 adults aged 25 to 54 who are employed full time.  The study was conducted from 3/12-3/18/13 using the KnowledgePanel.  Use of the Knowledge Panel assures representative samples that are statistically valid and projectable to the population of adults 25 to 54 who are employed full time.

About USA Network:
The #1 network in all of basic cable for an unprecedented seven straight years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events.  A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome. 

SOURCE USA Network