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Get Happy: What Really Matters at Work

What do you want to be when you grow up? I used to ask this question tongue in cheek whenever I had a career discussion with one of my corporate employees. It always got a chuckle and relieved some of the pressure from a topic that could be stressful.

We would go on to discuss the person’s logical career path and their readiness for promotion. We would come up with a game plan of recommended education and job assignments that would help them reach their career goals. Our assumption was that we didn’t have to worry about the stability of the company and whether it would be operating in three years. We could focus on the individual’s opportunities and how they might be more competitive for coveted assignments.

These days, it’s unrealistic to assume that your current company will be around for the long term. In previous articles, I’ve emphasized the approach of acting as the CEO of Corporation You. I’ve recommended positioning yourself to be successful, not only in your current job but cultivating skills that are transferable to other companies or industries.

Today I’d like to talk about the importance of job satisfaction. This encompasses not only the type of work you do but all of the logistics surrounding that job.

These days when I work with coaching clients, my question has become: What job or career will honor your core values and support your ideal lifestyle?

Your core values are those attitudes and beliefs that define your unique idea of satisfaction. As an example, one of my core values is fun. I like to work hard and be productive, but I burn out very quickly if I can’t laugh and share a joke with my co-workers and clients.

The answer to that question encompasses not only figuring out what you’re good at and what makes you happy but also what trade-offs you’re willing to make to support your desired lifestyle. You may be good at creating spreadsheets but feel stifled at the idea of working in an office cubicle all day. You may enjoy needlework, but can’t sell your products at a price that pays the rent.

Here are some recommendations to get you started:

• Write down all of the things you love to do and are good at. Look for commonalities.

• Study the people you admire and what you like about them.

This will give you some clues about your core values. Then identify your non-negotiables and what you’re willing to compromise on. Armed with this knowledge, you can use it as a guide when making career decisions.

Related Reads:
Stop Being So Modest: Let Confidence Propel Your Career
Are You Passionate About Your Job?

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