It’s not news that many Americans are sour on their jobs, employers and workplaces, but the breadth of this attitude is surprising.

More than 55 percent of 1,100 workers questioned expressed overall negative feelings about their work in a recently released survey, a collaboration between Towers Perrin of Stamford, Connecticut, and research firm Gang & Gang Inc. of Salem, Massachusetts.

According to the survey, employees cite the following as the sources of their discontent:

- Excessive workload
- Concerns about company’s leadership
- Anxiety about job security and the future
- Lack of challenge
- Insufficient recognition

Part of the reason the percentage is so high is that people are burned out. Most people choose a job or career for the wrong reasons. They're doing what they think they should be doing rather than something that is a good fit for their skills, interests and economic needs. Most burnout is not due to working long hours or being in a stressful job, it’s simply about being in the wrong job. If this sounds familiar, ask yourself:

1. Do I have a plan for achieving my personal long-term goals and objectives?
2. Are my career goals consistent with what I want to accomplish long-term?
3. Does my present career satisfy my passion, purpose and utilize my skills and natural talents?
4. Am I earning what I deserve?

If the answer is NO to any one of these questions, assessing your career direction would be a smart move.  The good news is that there are many companies that want high-performing individuals just like you!