According to a recent report by The Conference Board, job satisfaction in the United States is at its lowest level in two decades. In fact, a survey of 5,000 U.S. households conducted for The Conference Board by TNS found that only 45 percent of those surveyed were satisfied with their jobs.
Such research suggests many Americans long for more fulfilling, rewarding jobs. But at a time when unemployment, hiring freezes and layoffs plague the job market, where can people find more meaningful work? Author Heather Krasna says public service careers offer many promising opportunities and may give people the satisfaction they currently lack.
In her new book Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Job in Public Service, Krasna explains why professionals may want to venture outside the private sector to reinvent their career.
“Perhaps you have had an established career, but something tells you it’s time for a change. It could be any number of things: a sense that you’re not sure how your job contributes to the greater good; a feeling that your work has become monotonous and you have nothing more to learn; stress and burnout from long hours, a difficult boss or a toxic workplace; or fear of layoffs. Often people in these situations are drawn to public service careers because these jobs enable them to do more than earn a living. These jobs also empower them to help others, make a positive impact in their communities and improve the world,” says Krasna.
For people considering a career in public service, Krasna’s book Jobs That Matter offers a wealth of information to help them explore their options and learn how to achieve jobs best suited for their interests and abilities. It offers:
• Details on major career interest areas, including human services, health, education, civil rights, the environment, infrastructure, finance, international development, security and law enforcement, religion and the arts.
• Salaries, job outlook and career information on more than 60 different public service jobs.
• Career exploration exercises to help people pinpoint the right area for them.
• Resume, cover letter, interviewing and networking tips for achieving a job in public service.
• Targeted tips for specific public service careers, including the United Nations and State Department.
• Advice for career changers, students, veterans and AmeriCorps and Peace Corps volunteers.
Jobs That Matter: Find a Stable, Fulfilling Career in Public Service is now available at Amazon.com, in all major bookstores and from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST). To request a copy of the book or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact Selena Dehne.
About the Author
Heather Krasna, MS, is director of career services for the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs in Seattle. She has more than 11 years of experience as a career advisor and employer relations specialist in colleges and universities and has helped more than 7,000 job seekers find jobs and internships. For more information, visit her website at www.heatherkrasna.com.
JIST, America’s Career Publisher, is a division of EMC/Paradigm Publishing. As the leading publisher of job search, career and occupational information, JIST empowers today’s workforce and students to achieve long-lasting rewards in their careers.
