While 4 states (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Louisiana) of the top 10 list that hate their jobs are among the highest employing within government, 2 states (Alaska, Washington State) are all on the list of top 10 that love their jobs.
Now I am not saying that the preponderance of those complaining are not government workers, but there is no evidence to support that they are either.
If I had to venture a guess though, I would say it is private industry workers (usually consultants) that are working on government contracts that are more dissatisfied, than actual government workers.
The reverse was probably true until government workers started making more than their consultant counterparts. Once that happened their level of work stayed the same, almost non-existent, and the consultant level of work might even have increased while receiving less compensation.
One thing that really plays a role in this whole thing is the amount of employment available. When there are other jobs that can be had then it is easier to become dissatisfied then it is in places where alternative jobs choices are more scarce. Both Maryland & Virginia have many more opportunities than most other states, in both the private and public sectors.
Bottom line, most people hate their jobs whether they vocalize it or not, be it public or private employer, and would much rather be doing something else and making more.
“Sorry, but it proves nothing. Alaska, the number one state with the most government workers, is among the top 10 that love their jobs. Number 2, Hawaii appears on neither list.”
Sure it does:
Both Alaska and Hawaii are the two states farthest from Washington DC.
Conversely, Virginia and Maryland are the closest.
Coincidence?
I think not.