As summer comes to an end and theLabor Dayholiday approaches, there is no question that our nation's focus on the American workforce will continue to take center stage. Even with the current national unemployment rate hovering at just over nine percent, more than one-third (35 percent) of U.S. adults reported that the spirit of the U.S. workforce is broken, according to a new survey released today by Aflac, the No. 1 provider of supplemental and guaranteed-renewable insurance inthe United States.

More than three quarters (69 percent) of employed adults reported that their paycheck is the majority of the reason they work. Also, 77 percent of adults employed full/part time, and not currently self-employed, stated they would leave their current position to become an independent entrepreneur. Ability to set one's own hours, spend more time with friends and family, not have to deal with office politics, and/or not have to endure a daily commute, are just some of the many reasons they would be motivated to make a career change to become an independent entrepreneur.

Driven by increasing market demand for voluntary insurance today and in the future, Aflac is bolstering its nationwide independent sales agent network* in 580 markets, offering U.S. workers the opportunity to be their own boss, make their own schedule, and live what many would call the "American Dream."

"This survey reaffirms that many Americans lack fulfillment and passion for their jobs, and struggle with work/life balance," saidTom Giddens, senior vice president, director of U.S. Sales at Aflac. "With more than 72,000 entrepreneurs comprising our sales force, our organization believes strongly in workers' pursuit of a career that not only supports their livelihood but that also brings joy and satisfaction."