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When it comes to their jobs, one-quarter of employed Americans (23%) are most thankful for job stability this holiday season, according to data released today in a telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Heald College. For the second consecutive year, the Heald College Workplace Thankfulness Survey asked employed Americans to identify what they were most grateful for in their work life – other than pay.

"Even though the economy has made some modest gains over the last year, there is still a general uneasiness about the state of the economy and it's no surprise that Americans not only value the fact that they have jobs, but truly value the fact that they expect to keep their jobs long term," said Jennifer Lozada, corporate director of career services for Heald College. "Americans want to feel that they are appreciated for what they do and that they will continue to play a long-term vital role in the workforce."

According to the survey and second to job stability, 22% of Americans indicated that they were most grateful for flexibility in their schedules (consistent with last year's survey at 24%).

"With the demands and distractions put on today's family, it's no wonder flexibility is so important and so valued. People understand that work/life balance is something that is absolutely necessary for both mental and physical health. In essence, we are seeing more and more people pursuing careers in industries that offer long-term stability and/or flexibility," commented Lozada.

"For instance, at Heald College, we've seen an increase in enrollment in such programs that offer long-term stability as medical assisting, dental assisting and pharmacy technology. As the Baby Boomers age and medicine continues to improve, the U.S. will undoubtedly see an increase in the need for healthcare. We see healthcare careers as a very stable job sector for the foreseeable future," said Lozada.

Lozada continued that Heald College also sees high demand for its IT programs. "IT careers are typically quite flexible. Network system administrators, for instance, are needed around the clock in such locations as businesses, schools and government offices."

Top Careers For Stability

Based on U.S. Department of Labor industry trend information through 2018*, as well as Heald College placement data, the following occupations continue to see high demand nationally: 

1. Medical Assistant
2. Pharmacy Technician
3. Legal and Accounting Administrative Assistant
4. Network Systems Administration
5. Dental Assistant  

By the Numbers: Workplace Thankfulness Survey Fast Facts

• Men were more likely to be thankful for job stability than women (26% vs. 19%).   
• American women aged 55 and over are more likely to be thankful for finding personal fulfillment in their work compared than women under 55 (25% vs. 13%).   
• 28% of Americans over 65 stated they were most thankful for having job satisfaction. Only 17% of respondents under the age of 65 gave the same response.  
• 32% of Americans making between $50K and $75K were most likely to be thankful for job stability compared to 22% of American's in other income brackets. 

About the Survey

Heald College's Workplace Thankfulness Survey was conducted by Harris Interactive, using the Harris Poll National Quorum from October 18 to October 30, 2011. A total of 1,079 employed residents of the U.S. were surveyed by telephone. Results are considered accurate to +/- 3.0% 19 times out of 20.

About Heald College

For 148 years, Heald's mission has been to prepare students for academic, personal, and professional success through quality career-focused programs that develop skills to last a lifetime. Since its establishment, Heald has evolved into a leading career college that offers a range of programs in the fields of healthcare, business, legal, and technology. Heald College has 12 campuses throughout the western United States including California, Oregon, and Hawaii and serves nearly 22,000 students. For more information on Heald College visit www.heald.edu. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit our website at www.heald.edu/disclosures.

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us - and our clients - stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics information can be found at http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2009/11/art1full.pdf

CONTACT: For more information on the
         Workplace Thankfulness Survey, contact:
         John Marchini at Catalano Fenske and Associates.
         Tel: 559-320-1120; Email: john@cfanda.com