There is more to a job than just its compensation

When you’re asked in a job interview about what you want in a job, you probably would think, ‘pay cheque’. You may not say it, but it is the first thing that could come to someone who hasn’t been employed. Although money seems to be the biggest motivation, there is always more to a job than just its compensation.

For most people, there is a level of fulfilment that they seek to reach in their positions. It could be a result of the work itself or the interactions that they get with others through their jobs. Teachers, for example, may value the impact they have in shaping children’s experiences more than anything else. An entrepreneur may value the creation of a workplace and the livelihood it provides to others. In short, there is always more value to work than what meets the eye.

Find your passion

You can’t enjoy just any job. The job must have the aspects that meets your needs. To define your needs, you must know what you’re passionate about. What makes you feel accomplished? Your passions are likely to shape your perception of a job. So if you want to ensure that your job will be satisfactory, you must be able to pinpoint a few aspects that you personally enjoy.

Remember to think beyond the work duties. You may spend 40 to 50 hours a week at work. Work duties do take most of this time, but there are also a lot of interactions with coworkers, supervisors and in some cases clients. Do these interactions enrich — or poison — your experience.

Many people may be willing to stick with a job that they don’t totally love if the work environment meets their needs. Conversely, an excellent job in a toxic environment may turn into an intolerable source of stress.

Changing needs

You must check in with yourself to ensure that your level of satisfaction with your job is still acceptable. Jobs change and so do your needs and expectations. For example, a part-time, non-demanding job may fit perfectly into your life if you’ve got a lot going on with family and children. Once these other issues are sorted out, you naturally may begin to look for a new role that helps you advance professionally.

Knowing what your needs is a smart way of balancing your work and life. Giving up some comfort to advance your career has its times and stages. Similarly, there are times when making professional compromises is the right move. Without being too harsh on yourself, know your current priorities.

Find the best in a bad situation

Many people are stuck in jobs that are not — and cannot — be satisfactory. No amount of thinking or change in perspective can help them see a positive aspect or feel fulfilled. Although this situation is as desperate as it gets, try to focus on one thing: What you will do next.

Stressing out about all the wrong things that are going on in your current job will only dissipate your energy. Instead, go through the motions, keep your job, and plan your gracious exit to a much better opportunity. You may not be able to change a bad job, but you can leave it behind. So find out what you really want, acquire the skills that are required for the job, and position yourself for the next move. In some cases, your next job won’t be your dream job, but it could be a step closer and in the right direction, which is a success.

Money does matter

For many people being financially stable or even wealthy is integrated into what makes them happy. Although a big check on its own is unlikely to replace other factors that contribute to one’s happiness, know your own needs. If money is a big deal for you, pursue jobs that don’t compromise this financial aspect.

For example, you may won’t to work in a job that extends a hand to the needy. Jumping into a non-profit organisation may not be the answer, if it means massive pay cut. You can volunteer or work part-time, while you keep a job that maintains your lifestyle. For those who don’t need or care about money, a drastic move that fulfils their aspirations may be the best thing they could do to position themselves for the types of jobs.

The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.

Finding fulfilment in a job

Know your passions

Stay tuned to your changing needs

Focus on the future

Don’t underestimate money

— R.O.