Can money buy career
happiness? Not necessarily, according to a recent study in Science magazine,
which shows that 61% of people earning less than $20,000 a year report being
"pretty happy" compared to about 52% whose annual income exceeds $90,000.
WHAT TO DO:
Take this
quiz
to determine if you're ready to
quit your job. Research
industries
that offer
career attributes
you value. If you enjoy helping others cope with illness, investigate what it's
like to be a
social worker at a hospital. Or you may want to learn about
diversity-focused jobs. Find out which
careers earn respect
and learn about some that
don't require a four-year degree. Review
five ways
to change careers and how to find an
easy job. Bear in mind the obstacles to
changing careers in midlife. If you pursue an
M.B.A., switching professions may be less difficult. Factor in the cons to a field,
such as the heavy travel associated with being a
management consultant. Learn more about careers by setting up
informational interviews or
networking
with professionals.
Can't Buy Me Happiness
Percentage of people, by family income 2004, answering the question
"Taken all together, how would you say things are these days -- would you
say that you are very happy, pretty happy, or not too happy?"
|
RESPONSE |
Under $20,000 |
$20,000-$49,999 |
$50,000-$89,999 |
$90,000 and over |
|
Not too happy |
17.2% |
13.0% |
7.7% |
5.3% |
|
Pretty happy |
60.5% |
56.8% |
50.3% |
51.8% |
|
Very happy |
22.2% |
30.2% |
41.9% |
42.9% |
|
Source: Science
|