US workers increasingly prioritise flexible working and personal development over status

A new survey from LinkedIn and Harris claims that the priorities of US workers are shifting in the new world of work. Where once they would have craved the status of a corner office, they now hanker for personal development, flexible working and autonomy and many see work largely as a means to pay bills. A growing number of professionals are also keen on developing side projects away from work that they believe are more closely aligned with their personality and interests, according o the study of 2,000 people.

• Only 4 percent of respondents see the corner office as desirable compared to 96 percent who say they don’t care. In addition, 86 percent of professionals don’t prioritise having a job their peers admire. More than one-third (34 percent) of professionals would take a 10 percent pay-cut for the ability to design their own work schedule.
• 89 percent of respondents claims that skills are more important than job titles. In fact, “learning a new skill” is the main goal respondents said they have currently.
• Two out of five professionals don’t list being passionate about their job as a measure of success – instead they’re in it to pay the bills (69 percent). Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) are in it not to worry about money. More than one-third of professionals today (36 percent) find success in pursuing a passion project or side job.
• The majority of professionals (87 percent) say success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do. Putting this into action, nearly 40 percent of professionals feel most successful when teaching others.
• Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans say they fear they will miss their opportunity to succeed if they don’t keep their options open.