Finding Meaning at Work and in Your Job
Posted by Shawn Threadgill on August 5, 2006
We all have to work, but some of us are able to play at work by finding and then committing to our dream job where we’re motivated, inspired, respected and well paid. Unfortunately, many individuals settle for something that falls a bit short of the ideal. Maybe they began with their dream job and loved it for awhile, but ended up viewing it as troublesome and boring.
Lack of job satisfaction is a huge source of stress. Reasons why you may not be completely satisfied with your job include:
• Conflict between co-workers
• Conflict with your supervisor
• Not having the necessary equipment or resources to be successful
• Not being paid well for what you do
• Lack of opportunities for promotion
• Not having a say in decisions that affect you
• Fear of losing your job because of downsizing
The bottom line is that every job has elements that are great and elements that are awful. It is worth taking some time to think about what motivates and inspires you and then sort through some strategies to get you through your workday.
Understanding Your Approach To Work
People tend to approach work from three perspectives. They view work as a job, a career or a calling. Usually all three perspectives are important, but one or the other is the priority. In recognizing your approach to work, it is important to understand that one approach isn’t better than the others. This reflection will help you get back your initial passion and excitement of why you initially took the job.
• Job. If you approach work as a job, you focus primarily on the financial rewards. In fact, the nature of the work may hold little interest for you. What’s important is the wage. If a job with more pay comes your way, you’ll likely move on.
• Career. If you approach work as a career, you’re interested in advancement. You want to climb the corporate ladder as far as possible or be the most highly regarded professional in your field. You’re motivated by the status, prestige and power that come with the job.
• Calling. If you approach work as a calling, you focus on the work itself. You work not for financial gain or career advancement, but instead for the fulfillment the work brings you.
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