In case you are in denial about how much you like your job, you can go to this quiz to determine the level of your overall job satisfaction.
If your score was low, you are not alone. It is estimated that less than 45% of Americans feel satisfied with their jobs. Why is over half the population dissatisfied and what do YOU need to tip the scale in favor of work that you enjoy and find fulfilling?
First of all, it's important to consider the factors that influence a person's job satisfaction and figure out what is true for you. The following are seven categories that contribute to job satisfaction. Consider what you need in each:
1. Overall responsibility: Do you want to lead and take charge of situations, or would you rather provide assistance and support?
2. Work environment: What conditions allow you to do your best work? This list can be as specific as "natural light" and "orderly surroundings" or as nebulous as "a safe environment". It is important for you to know they type of setting that elicits a positive, "can do" attitude in you.
3. People contact: Describe the types of colleagues with whom you want to interact. What is the extent and type of interpersonal contact you want to have in your work?
4. Salary and Benefits: What do you need? What do you want? Be prepared to justify any salary requirements by the value you will bring to any position.
5. Skills: What are the talents, qualities and abilities you have AND enjoy using? Be able to articulate them along with brief examples of each.
6. Interests: Are there specific topics that intrigue you and which you'd like to be a focus of your job?
7. Reasons for working/Values: What do you want to get out of work? List the values that inspire and motivate you.
Sometimes it is when a factor is missing in a job that you realize how very important it is to you. Take stock of past jobs for clues about what factors may have influenced your decision to move on.
Create a list of questions to ask prospective employers based on your own job satisfaction categories to determine how close a position comes to meeting what you need and want. Doing that may save you a premature resignation.
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