Rest, Relax, then Reconsider? 3 out of 4 Surveyed More Likely to Search for a New Job After Returning From Vacation

Monster Poll Finds Increase From 2013 in Likeliness of Post-Vacation Job Hunting

WESTON, Mass.--()--A poll conducted by Monster reveals that a wide majority of respondents (75%) are more likely to search for a new job upon returning from a vacation, with more than half (54%) claiming to be “definitely more likely.” These results reflect a marked increase from 2013, when only 37% answered that they are “definitely more likely” to job hunt after a vacation.

A related survey conducted by Monster, which asked what factors play into the decision to want to take a vacation from work, 73% of respondents said “stress related to the job.” Perhaps most notably, 55% of respondents said they either have or would consider taking work vacation time to look for another job.

Research shows that taking time off from work is essential to our health: a nine-year study from the State University of New York at Oswego showed that men who did not take at least a week’s vacation had a 30 percent greater chance of dying of heart disease1. Women who take two vacations a year are less likely to be depressed and report higher marital satisfaction2.

“Taking time off from work is beneficial to your health, and to your performance back at the workplace,” said Mary Ellen Slayter, Career Advice Expert for Monster. "It isn’t surprising that so many feel motivated to make career changes after a vacation: periods of rest and relaxation afford us with a mental clarity essential to both reflecting upon our personal lives and evaluating our professional goals. Coming back to work after a holiday can be daunting for many reasons — catching up on emails, resuming projects left unfinished before your break — but, feeling deep anxiety and dread about your return may indicate that there are more significant issues you should address.”

Monster asked visitors to its site the question, “Upon returning from holiday, are you more or less likely to look for another job?” and received more than 1,100 responses. U.S. findings included:

  • 54% of respondents are “definitely more likely”
  • 21% of respondents are “probably more likely”
  • 14% of respondents are “probably less likely”
  • 11% of respondents are “definitely less likely”

The results of the current Monster International Poll are based on votes cast by Monster visitors from June 30-July 14, 2014. The comparative 2013 poll was conducted July 15-August 5, 2013 and received over 1,200 responses. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. The Monster International Poll, a product of Monster, the premier global online employment solution and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc., is a series of online polls that gauge users’ opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace. These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

The survey, titled “Vacation causing you to consider a new career?” was fielded July 8-11 to Monster members. The survey received more than 1,000 responses.

For tips on finding a work environment that’s right for you, please visit: www.monster.com/blog.

About Monster Worldwide

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:MWW), is the global leader in successfully connecting job opportunities and people. Monster uses the world's most advanced technology to help people Find Better, matching job seekers to opportunities via digital, social and mobile solutions including monster.com®, our flagship website, and employers to the best talent using a vast array of products and services. As an Internet pioneer, more than 200 million people have registered on the Monster Worldwide network. Today, with operations in more than 40 countries, Monster provides the broadest, most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment and talent management capabilities globally. For more information visit about-monster.com.

1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11020089

2 http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-11/mc-tav110905.php

Contacts

Monster Worldwide, Inc.
Kristen Andrews, 978-461-8089
kristen.andrews@monster.com

Contacts

Monster Worldwide, Inc.
Kristen Andrews, 978-461-8089
kristen.andrews@monster.com