One-third of employed Americans would switch careers for more flexibility at work

Two in five Americans would give up their benefits if it meant they could have more flexibility at their job, according to new research.

A new poll asked 2,000 employed Americans to reflect on their jobs in light of the pandemic and the results show they're not thrilled with their current situation.

Seven in 10 respondents said their job hardly offers any flexibility when it comes to their schedule, and 42% would even trade in their benefits package for a schedule that works more for them.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents said they'd prefer more flexibility away from their 9-5, instead opting to work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (19%). For those who'd prefer to have more flexibility in the days they work (25%), they'd rather work Thursday to Monday (10%) or less than five days a week (10%) 

Thirty-five percent of respondents would even change their entire career if it meant they could have better flexibility and 40% would give up all of their vacation time.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Qwick, the survey found while flexibility is a big priority for employed Americans, there are more ways their current job is lackluster. Forty-four percent of respondents said the top thing their employer needs to improve is their pay, followed by benefits (42%) and then flexibility (39%).

In fact, better pay would persuade 70% of respondents to put up with their current jobs and work longer hours.

Six in 10 (61%) respondents also said their current job doesn't offer a satisfactory work/life balance and 54% find it difficult to spend time with their family and friends because of this. 

Some employed Americans can't even make ends meet with just one. Of the 2,000 employed respondents, 36% said they currently work a second job to get some extra cash in their pockets.

The top industries these respondents are working in included customer service (19%), hospitality (14%), restaurants (14%) and catering or events (14%).

"Whether you work in a suit or an apron, these survey results indicate that the vast majority of working Americans simply want more flexibility," said Jamie Baxter, CEO of Qwick. "Flexibility has been at the forefront of our business from the very beginning, and by prioritizing this, professionals are not only able to work the type of role they want (line cook, bartender, waiter, etc), but they have the ability to choose where, when and how much they want to work."

Sixty-six percent of all respondents said it would be easier for them to find a second job now than before the pandemic. For those currently open to taking another job, 71% are more likely to do so now than they were before the pandemic.

Men were more likely to show interest in taking another job at 76% compared to 66% of women.

On average, these respondents are willing to put in an average of 14 hours a week to another job and 74% would take on another job if they were paid weekly.

"Especially in hospitality, the pandemic has completely reimagined what the term 'work-life balance' means and what professionals expect in the workplace," said Baxter "Instead of long, demanding hours and little pay, the gig economy is bringing a variety of platforms and resources available to anyone seeking more flexibility or looking to make extra cash outside of their 9 to 5 job. It's amazing to witness the difference made in professionals'  lives when they're paid adequately and given the agency to create their own hours," said Baxter.