5 Things that Make a Good Job Great
By Sandy Schroeder
Research studies tell us only 50 percent of people are pleased with their job. What makes a job satisfying? Money, title, fringe benefits?
Fast Company says there are some totally different qualities that make a good job great.
Loving what we do and being paid well works just fine, but workplace satisfaction studies say these qualities count even more.
Work that Fits You and Is Valued
Life works much better when your skills fit the job and are seen as important. That combination creates a positive feeling that gets you up every morning and keeps you on target all day. You can usually spot the ones who are right where they should be if you look around your office.
Work that Intrigues You
Work that pulls you in and captures your attention can spin by effortlessly. Ongoing challenges that match abilities make the job a lot more fun. I worked with several scientists who were totally engaged in their work. They were always polite and friendly, but you could tell their minds were really thinking about that intriguing project they were involved in. Finding that kind of job is worth the search.
Work That Helps Other People
Helping others is a key ingredient in life satisfaction, according to researchers. They say people who volunteer are healthier and less depressed. Think of the people that you know who are the happiest. Often their jobs have a higher purpose and they focus on helping others. Some of the jobs that are singled out as the most satisfying are teachers, psychologists, physical therapists, authors, painters, firefighters and operating engineers.
Opportunity to Grow and Learn from Others
Great jobs offer employees a chance to work with leaders in the field and spread their wings to try new things. You may come in working in one field, and then get the chance to tackle bigger tasks. I worked with a health center where it was a policy to promote from within. You could start at an entry level position, and keep right on going if you were up to the challenge.
Work That’s Flexible and Balanced
Jobs that offer a change of pace keep individuals involved and productive. Think of the jobs you loved the most. Often they were responsive to your individual needs, valued your skills and kept you coming back for more.
Finding the job that makes you happiest may take some effort, but when you find it you will know why you kept looking.
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