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The workforce is in trouble. You know this statement is true when one of the defining movies of this generation centers around an unhappy employee, dead-set on getting fired from his job.

Little known fact: That little movie, Office Space, barely recouped production costs back when it was released in theatres in 1999. Yet, now, this same movie is one of the most popular rentals of all time AND nine years later, people are still talking about the “o face”. Clearly, this movie has struck a chord with Americans. And yes, I do own a copy.Well, I recently came across the Disgruntled Workforce Blog, and it made me think that there is sort of a “job-hating” epidemic going around. (I’m sure if I did more Google searches, I would find plenty more of these blogs.)

(Disclaimer: While the general population appears to be disgruntled with their jobs, I am proud to say I’m not one of them. I merely see the blog as interesting and entertaining.)

Notice the tagline for the blog: “Because people love to complain about their jobs.” Is this true? I’d say so. In fact, I probably hear at least three complaints a day from a friend or family member about his job or her job.

Which brings me to my question: Do you actually like your job? Or are you like most of the general population who just works to pay the bills?

Why do so many Americans dislike their jobs? This is the really important question, because companies are constantly striving to improve their retention rates.  Imagine that someone in HR at Company XYZ found the magical answer to this question! Well, I would think their retention rate would shoot up to 100% . And, a high retention rate not only helps a company save valuable dollars, but also solidifies its reputation to recruit and maintain talent.

I’m not sure why so many more people today are unsatisfied in their jobs. In my opinion, it may be that my generation is a “dreamer generation” and we feel as if we must have an extreme, impossible amount of passion and drive in what we do every day. Perhaps, ten years ago, people were more patient, more content learning to love their jobs. Maybe the dreamer generation just wants to feel that passion right away? Or maybe we just love to complain?

What do you think?

(By the way, I didn’t forget about the ever-popular television show, the Office. I don’t watch it, so I cannot comment, but, from what I’ve heard, I think it further proves the job-hating epidemic.)

Photo by Mike Monteiro

 

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