What better QuintZine than our Workplace Bummers issue to report that less than half of Americans say they are satisfied with their jobs -- the highest level of discontent since this Conference Board survey was first conducted in 1995. The decline in job satisfaction is found among workers of all ages, across all income brackets and regions. Regionally, discontent is the highest in New England and West South Central regions. Key findings:

• The largest decline in overall job satisfaction -- from 60.9 percent in 1995 to 47.2 percent today -- occurred among householders aged 35-44. This age group was once the most satisfied, but is now second to last. The second largest decline took place among householders age 45-54, with the satisfaction level dropping from 57.3 percent to 46.1 percent. This group recorded the lowest level of satisfaction.
• The overall level of satisfaction among householders earning in excess of $50,000 has declined from 66.5 percent to 53.4 percent, yet they still remain the most satisfied.
• Among householders earning less than $15,000, there was no change in the level of satisfaction. Currently, 45.4 percent claim they are satisfied, the same proportion as 8 years ago.
• With only 43.2 percent of householders claiming to be satisfied with their current job compared to 59.7 percent in 1995, residents of the West South Central region are among the least satisfied in the nation.
• Residents in New England are also among the least satisfied in the nation. Only 43.5 percent claim they are satisfied with their jobs -- down significantly from 65.4 percent eight years ago.
• Residents of the West North Central region are the most satisfied with their employment situation, despite a decline in the level of satisfaction to 54.7 percent from 60.7 percent in 1995.
• Promotion policies were the least satisfactory benefit of employment. Only 20.0 percent claimed they were satisfied, down from 23.4 percent in 1995.
• Bonus plans also received poor ratings. Only 20.1 percent claimed to be satisfied with their company's policies.
• Educational and job-training programs did not fare well either. Only 29.3 percent claimed to be satisfied with these types of programs.
• The commute to work was rated as the most favorable aspect of one's job, with 57.9 percent satisfied with their travels. But, here too, there was a decline in the level of satisfaction from 1995 levels.
• Co-workers were also given a favorable rating. Despite a decline to 56.0 percent from 64.4 percent eight years ago, respondents ranked their fellow employees as the second most satisfying aspect of their jobs.