“We see a general consensus among workers around the globe that people are open to pursuing more fulfilling careers, not just a fuller wallet, ” said Norma Gaffin, director of career content, Monster. “It ’s interesting to note that despite some notions of a skittish economy, U.S. workers are still willing to be compensated less for a job that they are really passionate about. ”

Overall Desire for Job Satisfaction

Of the 19 countries polled in North America and Europe, 76 percent of respondents would take a pay cut if given a chance to work their dream job. Workers in Ireland topped the charts, with 84 percent willing to sacrifice compensation for increased job satisfaction. Workers in the U.S., Switzerland and Italy are not far behind – 82 percent of their respective respondent pools value workplace satisfaction over maximum compensation.

Some Apprehension Abroad

While most workers polled are willing to take a drop in pay for the job of their dreams, workers in Germany, France and Hungary are the most cautious. Thirty-four percent of workers in France and 27 percent of workers in Germany are not willing to sacrifice pay for ultimate job satisfaction. Workers in Hungary are least willing to take a cut in pay, with 38 percent answering, “No. ”