There is a political side to this. I think these attitudes are reflective of a socialist, dependency mindset. If you are feedom-loving, you will refuse to trade your freedom for security. The average American today will trade five pounds of freedom for one pound of security, and I think that is what this poll reflects.
The other aspect of this that I can't help but notice is that people were happier in their work when the workplace was less regulated than it is today. These days, you can't flirt, or make a politically insensitive joke, or smoke, without the system coming down on you. They have taken the humanity out of working, turning people into cubicle-ized robots, walking in fear of their every word or deed. No wonder thay are unhappy.
The next step, of course is to pass a law mandating work happiness.
I love my job! I agree with you-why would you keep working somewhere if it makes you miserable? My pay is not great, I have no benefits, but-I love the people I work with and what I do. Small town, garden center, I'm in charge of the greenhouse. Know most of my customers not just by name but what they drive. We know about everyone's families and they know about ours. We joke and carry on, pc be damned.