Are We Happy Yet?
Retirees and the employed are about equally likely to be very happy; those not employed are less likely to be very happy.

Differences in Happiness by Employment Status Hold for Men But Not Women
Economic Characteristics by Socioeconomic Class
How Important is Having a Successful Career to the Middle Class?
Income, by Middle Class Occupations
Priorities and Values by Socioeconomic Class
Ratings for U.S. Economy and Own Financial Situation, 1992-2008