15 Apr
02 Aug
Throughout the world a common statistic is that many people are unhappy in their job. It is so ubiquitous that people consider this as normal and acceptable but it doesn’t have to be either.
People who do not like their work generally don’t do a good job. This means lost business for the companies they work for and unrealised potential for the individuals concerned. Perhaps more damaging is the inevitable negative impact on their psyche.
Today more than any other time in history we have the opportunities to work how, where, when, and on what we want. Technology has given us independence that our parents could only dream of but here we are still working as though we have few opportunities.
If we are stuck in a job we don’t like we often rationalise our position. We need the money, have a mortgage to pay, a family to look after and in the end we live with it. Besides what else would we do?
I believe that we are all capable of great contributions to our employers, our families and communities. We just have to align our passions and personalities to the work that we are doing.
It turns out that there are three important aspects to being in the right job:
- We have to enjoy what we do and look forward to going to work every day.
- We have to believe in the organisation we work for and that you’re working together on a meaningful mission.
- We have to have strong working relationships with our colleagues and be willing to sacrifice our time and energy for the team.
It appears that if we have any one of these we will survive in work. If we have two of these then we are positively engaged. If we have all three then we are in work nirvana. There is no reason why we shouldn’t strive for all three.
I believe it starts with doing what you enjoy most and being able to do this every day. Of all the three aspects this is the one we have most control over. If we are not there yet we need to work this out. It is also the one that can be the most challenging. It starts with a passion, so look at what drives you. When you figure this out then you have a chance at finding work that most suits you. You can tell that it is the right ‘thing’ when you do it no matter what the obstacles, the setbacks and the problems. You always feel good about doing it. It also does not matter if you are rewarded or recognised because the reward you feel is intrinsic to the enjoyment of the activity. Great sports people love the practice. They love the discipline and focus. It becomes natural and rewarding. The successes are the score of their efforts.
Working for an organisation with the right mission and vision is your choice to make. Look at what they trying to achieve and whether you relate to that emotionally. For example are they making positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment?
We spend a large part of our time with the people at work. Having a great team of people around you makes a huge difference to your ability to achieve. We all work better with the right support and camaraderie. Too few companies realise just how much difference it makes. However, we cannot choose the people when we join a new company. What we can do is meet the people and find out how they behave and what they are like before we join the organisation. If you are changing jobs this is a must. Unless you have the right culture and people around you the place can quickly have a negative effect on you and no amount of money will make you stay unless you have the other two aspects.
So are you suited to your job? Are you giving your best every day and enjoying it? Are you on a mission, an epic adventure? Are you working in a great team where there is mutual respect and support?
If not, there is some homework to do that may be life changing.