Employed job seekers have been waiting out the recession for years before embarking on a new job search, and many experts are finally predicting 2011 could be their year for change. Monster.com®, the leading job matching engine and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc., recently asked job seekers about their plans for 2011 and found that an overwhelming majority (98%) of Americans polled indicated they are primed and ready to pursue new job opportunities in 2011.

"With the New Year comes new resolutions, and Americans are making it known that they are optimistic about getting a fresh start in the coming year," said Charles Purdy, Monster.com career-advice expert. "We've seen for a while now that skilled jobs are on the rise. And as the economy starts to get back on its feet, we believe that they'll continue to be in demand, making 2011 the year of the new job - but not just any job. Now, workers are looking for positions that inspire them and challenge them to rise to the occasion. At the same time, employers are increasingly looking to hire the best people for open roles, not just settling for a 'good enough' candidate."

The new Monster+HotJobs survey also shed additional insight into the mindset of job seekers who, by and large are optimistic not just about the economic conditions for job opportunities and growth but are also infused with a newfound passion for their career, versus sticking with the status quo as in years’ past:

- 61 percent of poll respondents said work would be more of a priority in 2011 than in 2010 (9 percent said it would be less, 14 percent said they expected no change, and 16 percent weren't sure yet)

- Topping 66 percent of seekers’ career wish lists for 2011 was a new job with a new employer (15 percent were hoping for a raise or promotion at their current employer, 17 percent were hoping to become self-employed, and only 2 percent were happy with the status quo)

- 42 percent of respondents were hopeful about the new year and said they expected job or employment conditions to improve (33 percent expected conditions to worsen, and 25 percent expected things to stay about the same).

- 78 percent of respondents had work-related new year’s resolutions