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Most of us know why we don’t like a job.

But how would you define a quality job? The size of the paycheck is no doubt a big part of it, but how else do you measure how good it is?

It’s a worthwhile question. If pay is only one piece, how much weight should you give things like career mobility, workplace culture, or workload?

A new Gallup study found that only 40% of Americans have what it defines as “quality” jobs. The study surveyed over 18,000 U.S. workers, scoring their jobs based on established minimum thresholds for not just fair pay and benefits, but also opportunities for advancement, sustainable schedules, and a voice in decisions.

“Quality jobs are still the exception in the U.S. workforce,” the researchers wrote when they released the findings last month. “Our experiences on the job shape the decisions we make, the companies we trust and how we show up each day — at work and at home. And yet, too often, conversations about the economy focus on job quantity, not quality.”

Roughly half of workers in professional services, finance, and wholesale met Gallup’s quality standard compared with less than 30% in leisure and hospitality, retail, and warehousing.

So what?

At the end of the day, you want a job that helps you thrive. But many employers still fall short in providing livable wages, opportunities for advancement, and a healthy work-life balance.

When the economy is unpredictable, many people understandably hold on to unsatisfying jobs. But that shouldn’t stop you from identifying what you want from your job — and strategizing how to make it happen, whether it’s now or in the future.

Here are some highlights from the study to help you assess:

Gallup, in partnership with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and other researchers, defines a quality job first and foremost by fair pay. For full-timers, that means earnings of at least three times the federal poverty level for a two-person family, currently $5,287 per month. (Though the researchers acknowledged that this isn’t always enough, depending on someone’s location or other circumstances.) Yet half of respondents fell short.

To qualify, a job also had to score well in at least two of four quality-of-life areas: a healthy working environment, providing opportunities for advancement, getting a say in workplace decisions, and having a sustainable schedule. Gallup found that:

•  62% lacked a predictable schedule they could control.

•  54% worked extra or unplanned hours sometimes or often.

•  25% reported no opportunities for promotion or advancement.

•  24% experienced discrimination or unfair treatment at work.

•  69% said they/their co-workers didn’t have enough influence over pay and benefits.

•  55% said they/their co-workers didn’t have enough say over the use of new technology like AI.

Taken together, the findings show that job satisfaction involves more than just a paycheck — and that, for most Americans, stability and autonomy at work remain out of reach.

Related Readings

5 Things to Do To Feel Less Stuck at Your Job (SoFi)

Nearly Half of Workers Are “Job Hugging” as Comfort and Security Take Priority (Monster)

Job Seekers Stare Down a Gloomy Holiday Hiring Season (The Wall Street Journal)

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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If you’re worried about the cost of Thanksgiving dinner, some good news: Even though groceries like beef and coffee continue to soar in price, most Turkey Day staples aren’t likely to give us sticker shock this year.

In fact, despite tariffs and inflation, estimated retail prices for national turkey brands are down 3.7% from last year, according to Wells Fargo analysts, and the cost of foods like butter, ham, and frozen vegetables have leveled off.

Even so, with the average Thanksgiving meal expected to run $137 this year, 42% of Americans surveyed by Empower said they’ll host a scaled-back holiday feast to save money. So for anyone trying to economize, here are five pain-free ways to keep your costs down.

1. Dish out a new tradition. Whether it’s a family dinner or a Friendsgiving, try something new. Suggest a potluck competition where everyone has to make a favorite dish for under $5. You can theme it like a White Elephant price-capped gift game, except with food (could even call it White Turkey).

And try getting inventive with your menu. Consider swapping bottles of wine and liquor for a big batch of just one seasonal cocktail (or mocktail). If your grandma always used heavy cream in one dish, chances are nobody will notice if you swap it for more affordable evaporated milk. Sub frozen veggies for fresh even if the recipes tell you otherwise. Not only will small switches trim costs, but they can shake things up, too.

2. Shelve some sides. Focus your spending on the main event (turkey or perhaps ham, gravy, etc.) and be judicious with your side dish choices. The average Thanksgiving meal will have seven sides, according to one recent survey. But you can probably still feel indulgent with fewer.

Food waste is expensive, so think about which sides people love and which typically get snubbed (we’re looking at you, green bean casserole). Prioritize sides that your household likes and that reheat well, like mac n’ cheese, so that you can make meals from them after Thanksgiving — and aren’t stuck with leftovers nobody wants.

3. Make ‘em wait (mostly.) While you’re prioritizing, consider how many snacks and appetizers you really need to offer ahead of the big meal. Could you keep your pre-feast menu to just a single veggie tray or some nice cheese? There’s a reason that turkey and a few standout sides are the star — no need for your guests to fill up on chips and charcuterie.

4. Set a number. Look, it sounds obvious, but setting a spending limit will keep you in check. Research shows that optimistic budgets help people cut spending, even if they can’t entirely meet their ambitiously thrifty goals. When you’re at the supermarket, don’t forget to:

◦   Look for online coupons

◦   Consider generic instead of name brands. In a test between store brand and name-brand products, Consumer Reports found 76% of generic brands tasted just as good as their brand-name counterparts, and cost up to 72% less per serving.

5. Borrow, don’t buy. If you’re short on cooking tools, silverware, or extra chairs you’ll need for your guests, crowdsource from family and friends before you purchase something. Or check Facebook Marketplace for people giving away foldable tables and old furniture. There might even be a nearby tool and appliance library you can tap. No need to make a big purchase just to use it once a year.

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

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