Do you complain about your job a lot?
In other words, are you constantly complaining to family and friends about your workload, co-workers, or manager?
Is your job really that bad, or is it just not perfect?
We often focus on finding the perfect job and forget to enjoy the journey.
Step back from your complaints and examine your job in perspective to your overall career ambitions.
Sometimes, you have to be in a difficult job to appreciate your journey to a better one.
And sometimes, that difficult job stretches your skill set and improves your market value.
To help you evaluate your current job, rank the following ten items based on YOUR priorities.
Think about what YOU really want from your career journey.
Refrain from seeking input from others. This exercise is about Y-O-U.
- Control over my workflow
- Flexibility with my hours and work location (work from home options)
- Sufficient pay or clear path to increase it
- Likeable co-workers (in reality, you spend a lot of time with your co-workers)
- A manager who is my advocate
- Treated fairly and with respect
- Good benefits (healthcare, vacation, retirement savings plan)
- Tolerable commute (if required to be in the office)
- Work that fulfills my passion (note: you can satisfy your passion outside of your job through volunteering)
- Potential growth into a new role
If your current job meets your top three priorities, then enjoy the journey.
Stop complaining and try to figure out how to achieve several more priorities on your list.
It may be by seeking more responsibilities, applying for a higher position, or switching companies.
Keep your job expectations realistic. Stop focusing on a perfect job and enjoy the journey.
(Update to original post from November 11, 2015)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”