There is more to life than work, as Thomas Jefferson well knew that when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. But really – how easy is it to really pursue happiness when you can’t get a day off of work?

For example, in Washington State, 1 in 4 businesses do not offer paid vacation to their full-time employees. Most part-time workers get no paid leave at all. (Source: Washington State Employment Security Department)

Not surprisingly, a new poll finds that most Americans don’t have or don’t feel they can take time for “the Pursuit of Happiness,” and more than two-thirds support a law that would guarantee paid vacations for American workers.

The scientific telephone sample of 1,002 Americans was conducted by The Opinion Research Corporation, a leading professional pollster, during the week of June 23, 2008.

The poll found 69% of Americans saying they would support a paid vacation law, with the largest percentage of respondents favoring a law guaranteeing three weeks vacation or more.

Americans under 35 (83%), African-Americans (89%), Hispanic-Americans (82%), and low-income Americans (82%) were the strongest supporters of such a law, as were residents of the Northeast (75%) and the South (72%). 75% of women and 63% of men support a paid vacation law. 74% of families with children support such a law. Every demographic showed majority support for a law. Overall, only 27% of those polled were opposed to a paid vacation law.

Life, liberty, and a few weeks off of work a year – with pay – to recharge and spend time with loved ones. Now that’s a recipe for happiness.

Visit Take Back Your Time to learn more about the new national campaign to guarantee every American three weeks of paid vacation per year.