Americans increasingly unhappy with their work

The Conference Board says only 45 percent of Americans say they're satisfied with their work. That's down from 49 percent in 2008, and 61 percent in 1987.

The deep recession gets part of the blame, because it's become harder for some people to find challenging and suitable jobs. Another reason is that fewer people find their jobs interesting. Also, worker incomes have not kept up with inflation, and the soaring cost of health insurance keeps eating into take-home pay.

The Conference Board says the report "says something troubling about work in America." Economists warn that lower job satisfaction could stifle innovation, thus hurting competitiveness and productivity.

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