New High: 92% Say They're "Hopeful"
Express Employment Professionals released results from a new poll of unemployed Americans showing a greater sense of optimism about the future among the unemployed.
According to the survey, 33 percent agree with the statement, "I've completely given up on looking for a job." While still a startling number, it is a notable improvement compared to previous years, with 43 percent saying they had "given up" in 2016, 40 percent in 2015 and 47 percent in 2014 reporting the same.
In addition, more of the unemployed expressed hopefulness than in years past. Ninety-two percent agree with the statement, "I'm hopeful that I will find a job I really want in the next six months," compared to 87 percent in 2016, 88 percent in 2015, and 91 percent in 2014.
When asked why they are unemployed , 22 percent say they quit and 22 percent say they were laid off. This is a new low of people reporting they were laid off, compared to 2016 (23 percent), 2015 (28 percent), and 2014 (36 percent)-an encouraging trend for the economy.
When asked who's "responsible" for their unemployment , 50 percent blame themselves and 26 percent blame the economy. This represents a continued decline in the number blaming the economy, compared to 2016 (34 percent), 2015 (37 percent), and 2014 (45 percent). This is also an increase in those blaming themselves; just 36 percent blamed themselves in 2014.
"It's troubling that one-third of our fellow Americans who are unemployed say they have given up finding work," said Bob Funk, CEO of Express Employment Professionals and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. "But when you look a little closer, there are signs of a positive trend from previous years; fewer have given up, more are hopeful, fewer blame the economy and fewer are unemployed due to layoffs.
"This survey suggests that those who are jobless have a little more control over their situations or that they see an improving economy as a sign that opportunities will turn up for them."
Forty-six percent of those with at least a college degree agreed with the statement, "I wish I focused on a vocational career (e.g., automotive technology, electrician, plumber, HVAC specialist, dental assisting, medical assisting, etc.) rather than getting my college degree."
Thirty-three percent agree with the statement, "I've completely given up on looking for a job," compared to 43 percent in 2016, 40 percent in 2015, and 47 percent in 2014.
Of those who have been unemployed for more than two years, 53 percent agree that they have "given up."
Still, 92 percent of all unemployed Americans agree with the statement, "I'm hopeful that I will find a job I really want in the next six months," compared to 87 percent in 2016, 88 percent in 2015, and 91 percent in 2014.
The unemployed reported they are putting in an average of 13.3 hours looking for work each week. That is up from 11.7 hours in 2016 and 12.9 hours in 2015 but down from 13.8 hours in 2014.
Sixty-five percent have applied for positions that are below their job level at their previous employer, but 35 percent have not.
This study was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals and included 1,500 U.S. adults aged 18 or older who are unemployed but capable of working (whether or not they receive unemployment compensation benefits). Excluded are those who are currently retired, choose to stay at home, or are unable to work due to long-term disability. The survey was conducted between March 14 and April 6, 2017.