Six Career Paths Emerge in American Workforce: Shell Poll(SM) Reveals Diverse Approaches to Work

Strategic Insights -

A new Shell Poll(SM) conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates reveals that most workers in the United States can be grouped into six distinct categories, each with their own core career goals and values. The poll, which surveyed a representative national sample of 1,123 adults, found that these categories represent about one-sixth of the workforce each.

Key Takeaways:

  • **Fulfillment Seekers**: A large majority (87%) believe a good job allows them to use their talents and make a difference, rather than providing a good income and benefits. This group is mostly white (83%) and married (59%), with 68% being satisfied with their jobs.
  • **High Achievers**: This is the highest income group, with nearly a quarter earning more than $75,000, and the group with the highest educational achievement (53% have a four-year college degree or more). A large majority (90%) of high achievers say they have followed a career plan since a young age.
  • **Clock Punchers**: These are the least career-oriented of any group surveyed, with 95% saying they have a job rather than a career. This group is predominantly female (59%), has the lowest household income (35% below $30,000), and is the least educated.
  • **Risk Takers**: Members of this group are far more willing than others to take risks for the opportunity for great financial success (84%). They are also the only group that likes to move from employer to employer in search of the best job (76%).
  • **Ladder Climbers**: These workers are "company people," with 93% saying they prefer the stability of staying with one employer for a long time. A substantial majority (78%) prefer a stable income over the chance of great financial success.
  • **Paycheck Cashers**: Most members of this group (62%) prefer jobs that provide good income and benefits over ones that allow them to use their talents and make a difference. This group has the largest representation of minorities, with 18% being black, 10% Hispanic, and 3% Asian.

Statistics:

  • The survey results are based upon interviews with a representative national sample of 1,123 randomly selected adults ages 18 and over.
  • The survey has a margin of error of +/-3 percent.
  • Most Fulfillment Seekers (88%) say they have a career as opposed to a job.
  • High Achievers (90%) say they have followed a career plan since a young age.
  • Clock Punchers (96%) say they ended up in their jobs largely by chance.
  • Risk Takers (76%) like to move from employer to employer in search of the best job.
  • Ladder Climbers (93%) prefer the stability of staying with one employer for a long time.
  • Paycheck Cashers (62%) prefer jobs that provide good income and benefits over ones that allow them to use their talents and make a difference.

Sources:

  • "Shell Poll(SM)" conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates
  • Telephone interviews conducted July 17-20, 1998
  • Peter D. Hart Research Associates press release (date: Sept. 14, 1998)