Are you satisfied in your present job and career?
Of the many I have asked this question I got a mix of positive and negative responses, but what was surprising was a large percentage of them had not really taken time to stop and think if they really loved what they were doing or were they truly satisfied at work? We often fall in the “cycle-of-work” getting one task done after the other either the way it is being done or innovating here and there, often ignoring exploring further career satisfaction and contentment at work. “If it has been done this way, then perhaps this is way to do it!”
How can I find satisfaction at work?
Finding satisfaction at work and in your career does not mean that if you feel dissatisfied at work it is time to leave and apply for a new position or a new company, job hopping is not the solution to finding the right job or the perfect job. First take time to assess what would make you feel satisfied; often we focus on what we don’t want but fail to address what we most desire. List your priorities and see what value you see in your present career and how could you possibly get what you want. Knowing what you want is the key to getting what you want.
I put forward this question to a few friends and the following is a compilation of answers from few of them.
What is most satisfying about your present job?
- For me my current job offers what I feel is most important in my life at this time. It offers me lot of flexibility in terms of number hours I have to be at work and days that I can telecommute. At the same time I am satisfied with my role and responsibilities. My job gives me opportunities for training in both technical, personal development areas. With two kids I have always been able have a fairly decent work life balance. So I don’t feel I am compromising my career growth or feel guilty that I am not spending more time with my family.
– Sandhya - My answer would be “lets me telecommute” followed by “gives flexibility”.
– Anu - Ability to directly influence corporate goals especially as it relates to the growth of the company.
– SP - – My work offers me freedom and flexibility
– I enjoy the leadership role that I play
– being part of a big market ecosystem
– My work helps me develop my knowledge base, it is a brain-stimulant because of the many challenges that I tackle at work
– It gives me a sense of achievement at the end of the day
– And of course, the money that it offers.
– Usha - Flexible timings.. no longer hours at work..lets me telecommute…
– Snehal - Mostly I like the friendly work environment. Almost every time colleagues find spare time to help each other although they are not working on the same project.I also like the combination of computer work and interacting with people (talking to clients). There are also lots of opportunities to grow within the company. My manager encourages me to take responsibilities.
– Dorit - To me the most satisfying about my job is it gives flexibility. I support companies which give the option to be flexible (not abusing it), and have the trust that the employee can get the job done. Sometimes one can be in the office from 9-5 and still not get the work done (chatting with others, doing personal things). Also, by giving flexibility to ones who needs its, can be great for both the company and the individual, since the company is getting good quality employee and the individual can be part of both the corporate world and be part of the family.
– Jay
From the answers I received I feel flexibility tops the list when it comes to a career woman seeking satisfaction at work.
If you feel that money and/or location can bring in more satisfaction, see what this survey had to say:
“Money rarely buys happiness but it can buy job satisfaction—people making under $15,000 per year reported the lowest satisfaction while those making more than $50,000 per year said they were the most satisfied.
People living in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are the most disgruntled (less than 41 percent say they are satisfied with their current job), and people living in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico were most likely to whistle while they work (56 percent reported being satisfied). “
What is most satisfying about your job?