What You Hate Most About Your Job

Crabby bosses? Obnoxious co-workers? Too much stress? Long, expensive commutes? Those are all concerns of the American worker, but according to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA). More people are stressed out about what they consider low pay than any other aspect of their job.

The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive between Jan. 31 and Feb. 8, 2011, found that 36 percent of workers reported experiencing work stress regularly, and almost half (49 percent) said low salary was the biggest reason they're feeling the strain.

And it's not just monetary compensation that American workers are griping about. Less than half of employees (43 percent) said they receive adequate non-monetary rewards and recognition for their contributions at work, and just 52 percent of employees said they feel valued on the job. So, many of us are feeling undervalued as well as underpaid.

Compensation may be on most workers' minds, but that isn't the only reason the American work force is unhappy. Employees also cited lack of opportunities for growth and advancement (43 percent), heavy workload (43 percent), unrealistic job expectations (40 percent) and long hours (39 percent) as significant sources of stress.

But wait. There's more: only 57 percent reported being satisfied with their employer's work-life practices, which means there are a lot of American workers out there who are unhappy with the amount of work they take home and the way their jobs keep them from other home and life activities.

The above workplace gripes could be why only two thirds reported being motivated to do their best at work. In fact, almost a third have finally reached their limits: 32 percent indicated they intend to seek employment elsewhere within the next year.

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