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Survey shows most value hard work and happy with careers

As Fayette County's and the country's economy keeps churning along, a solid

majority of Americans said they are mainly or completely satisfied with their career situation.

This is just one of the findings in the first-ever Shell Poll, conducted for Shell Oil.

Sixty percent of Americans said they're completely or mainly satisfied with their

career. Not surprisingly, those who are older, more affluent or in professional or

managerial positions are more satisfied than younger,

less affluent, blue-collar workers.

Nearly 57 percent of those polled expect to work for five or more companies during

their lifetime, while half expect to work for eight

or more companies.

"American workers are confronting large-scale and rapid changes in the economy

that are transforming the fundamental nature of work and career," said Peter Hart, president

of the research firm that conducted the poll. "Fewer and fewer people can establish

themselves with a firm, move up the ladder and reach retirement while still at the same

company."

An even as changes alter the workplace, Americans still hold fast to the principle

of hard work.

Nearly 39 percent of those polled said working hard is the most important item for

success, while only 21 percent listed a college degree

as the most important factor.

Other key findings of the poll include:

· 63 percent said it does not matter

whether their boss is male or female.

· 30 percent of workers believe they could do their boss's job better.

· 60 percent work at least one weekend a month.

· 55 percent described themselves as

having a career, rather than a job.

· 65 percent said they were fairly well-prepared for the first jobs they had.

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