Work is stressful for a lot of us, with increasing pressure to do more in less time, to work after hours, and to go above and beyond. And even if you resist that pressure, the stress of standing your ground and protecting your boundaries is exhausting, too. Burnout is awful. It’s bad for your and for your employers. Based on employee satisfaction index scores for income, employee turnover, sick days, commute time, average working hours, workplace safety, and paid time off, as well as other factors, here are the worst 24 states to work in.
1. Georgia
Georgia is the worst-performing state, with an average commute time of 28.7 minutes. It has an overall job satisfaction score of 29.62. The state’s quitting rate is the highest at 3.6%, ranking it poorly on happiness and employee retention metrics.
2. Texas
This state has one of the unhappiest workforces in the US. With an overall job satisfaction rate of 30.36, Texas poses devastating challenges for employees, with more than 500 fatal workplace injuries yearly. It has the second-longest working week with an average of 43.6 hours, raising questions about work-life balance.
3. Florida
Employees earn an annual income of $38,470 with an average hourly wage of $18. This rate is alarming when compared to Alaska’s $32. With a lengthy work week of 41.5 hours and a lack of PTO (paid time off) laws, Florida ranks high on this list with a total job satisfaction rate of 30.46.
4. New York
The Big Apple is notorious for its lengthy commute and boasts the most extended duration of 33.5 minutes. While the average annual income of $52,470 is the third-highest in the country, the state falls behind on safety. With a high injury rate, New York was responsible for 247 fatal injuries in the past year. Hence, the overall satisfaction score is 31.51.
5. South Carolina
South Carolina has a high quit rate of 3.1% and ranks poorly on overall state happiness with an employee satisfaction score of 31.65. The annual income is $38,870, $13,000 less than Alaska, the state with the happiest employees.
6. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has one of the lowest levels of job satisfaction in the country. With a poor satisfaction score of 33.26, it falls below the national average. The Keystone State is a bad choice for job-hunting due to its high unemploymentrates.
7. Alabama
Alabama is high on this list, with one of the unhappiest employees in the country. It has a low satisfaction rate of 32.68 due to low inclusiveness and poor health reforms. Moreover, its poor worker protection laws make it an unsafe state for employees.
8. Virginia
Virginia has a low employee satisfaction rate of 33.26. Due to its worker protection and law enforcement, the state struggles to come through with its unemployment insurance program, which has been particularly concerning since the layoffs during the pandemic.
9. New Jersey
New Jersey scores on the top ten list of worst states for employees, with a low satisfaction score of 34.09. With a median hourly wage of $24.56, employees struggle to be well-compensated for their work.
10. New Mexico
With an employee satisfaction score of 34.25, New Mexico is the tenth worst state to work in. The law pay is unpromising and not in line with the experience of many employees. Poor management and legal protection make this state an unappealing choice for professional prospects.
11. Delaware
With an average employee satisfaction rate of 34.60, Delaware offers easily one of the least conducive environments for professionals. Many employees complain about the lack of flexibility as the work-from-home option is unavailable in most occupations.
12. Kentucky
Kentucky has one of the least satisfied workers, with a total satisfaction of 35.07. The state is a troublesome option for finding a job. The low median annual income and poor job security make this state one of the worst in terms of economic environment.
13. Idaho
Idaho makes it to the list with an employee satisfaction rate of 35.45. What’s particularly alarming is the state’s poor working conditions for women. Working moms find employment in Idaho particularly difficult due to poor childcare policies.
14. Tennessee
With recent laws showing the state’s discriminatory tendencies, few employees find it an inclusive workplace. With a score of 35.87, employee dissatisfaction may be attributed to the state’s political and legal reforms.
15. Michigan
The state is notorious for its concerning work policies, such as the right-to-work law, taking away choices from employees. This political history can explain why Michigan’s unhappy workers have given it a 35.88 score.
16. Nevada
With a score of 36.06, this Western U.S. state has left many professionals and job-seekers dissatisfied with its high unemployment rates. Considering the high cost of living, having a comfortable lifestyle with a modest wage is difficult.
17. Wisconsin
While the state has a decent average income, the wage disparity is too significant to be ignored. Wisconsin is also a costly state for those wishing to set up a business, thus explaining the 36.49 satisfaction score.
18. Arkansas
With a score of 36.58, Arkansas is among the worst states for jobs, thanks to high unemployment rates. The Natural State is also plagued with social problems such as crime and inadequate healthcare.
19. New Hampshire
Though the state doesn’t impose an income tax on earned income, it isn’t entirely tax-free. A 5% tax is paid on income from interest and dividends. Similarly, property taxes are high, making it less ideal for those seeking to settle down for work. The state scores 36.64 on satisfaction.
20. Montana
The state isn’t as bad as others on this list regarding work options and flexibility, hence earning it a score of 36.97. However, many find the pay to be less than adequate for some sectors, making it a less-preferred state.
21. South Dakota
Though the state doesn’t struggle with unemployment like many others, it falls short on compensation and options. With a score of 37.24, many find that most jobs in the state are low or unskilled labor with low wages.
22. Mississippi
Mississippi falls below the national average of job satisfaction with a score of 37.58. There are few opportunities for skilled workers, and much of the state’s workforce is among the country’s least educated. The low concentration of STEM workers also makes it less attractive for job-seekers.
23. North Carolina
The state’s poor labor laws, low worker protection, and lack of unemployment benefits earn it a spot on this list with a satisfaction score of 38.95. The minimum wage stands at $7.25, the same as Georgia.
24. Missouri
With a satisfaction score of 39.34, The Show Me State is bad for work and living due to its politics. The state’s stance on voting, reproductive rights, and high crime rates make it less appealing for professionals. Source: (SelectSoftware Reviews).
20 Crucial Supplies for Surviving a Societal Collapse
In the face of uncertainty, being well-prepared gives you at least some degree of control and security. The thought of a societal collapse, while extreme, prompts us to consider how we might endure without the conveniences of our current lifestyle. Here’s a list of 20 essential items that could prove indispensable in such a scenario. This guide isn’t about succumbing to fear but embracing preparedness and resilience.
14 Essential Canned Goods for Your Emergency Pantry
I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.
Best Regions in the U.S. to Escape to When Society Collapses
Choosing a refuge in the event of societal collapse involves weighing the pros and cons of each location against your personal preparedness goals and abilities. Whether you’re drawn to the solitude of the desert or the protective heights of the mountains, the key is finding a place that offers safety and the opportunity for growth and renewal.
Becky is a wildlife enthusiast and pet and livestock care expert with a diploma in canine nutrition. With over a decade of experience in animal welfare, Becky lends her expertise to Simple Family Preparedness through insightful info about pets, livestock, bee keeping, and the practicalities of homesteading.