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By The Associated Press

Demographics and details about the Associated Press poll on American workers’ attitudes about their jobs.

The AP-Ipsos poll of 589 workers was taken Aug. 16-18 and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

JOB SATISFACTION:

Those most likely to say they were very satisfied with their jobs were white, married, college-educated, homeowners and Republicans.

INTERESTING JOB:

Those more likely to say their jobs were interesting nearly all the time included women, whites, Republicans, homeowners and those who make more than $75,000 a year. Professionals and executives were most likely to say their jobs were interesting nearly all the time, while blue-collar workers were least likely to say their jobs were interesting nearly all the time.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Blue-collar workers were least likely to feel strongly that their jobs allowed them to achieve their full potential and offer them opportunities for advancement.

WORK GOALS:

Those most likely to say their job was something they mainly do to earn money were young adults age 18 to 29; minorities; people who make less than $50,000 a year; and those with a high school education or less. Blue-collar workers and those in clerical work and sales and service jobs were more likely to say their work was something they mainly do to earn money.

BALANCING WORK, FAMILY:

Men and women were equally likely to say they do a good job of balancing work and family. Those with a high school education or less felt more strongly they could balance the two pressures than those with more education. Those who say they were satisfied with their lives were more likely to say they balance the two. Those who work more than 40 hours a week were less likely to feel they do a good balancing act.

IMPORTANCE OF WORK:

Women were more likely than men to say they feel the work they do is important. Those who were satisfied with their jobs were also more likely to feel their work was important than those who are unsatisfied with their jobs. Those who feel they are paid fairly were more likely to think their work is important.

AP-ES-09-04-04 1306EDT

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