From childhood, we often fantasize about our dream job. We all grow up under the shadow of the big question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" In some cases, this childhood dream becomes a lifelong vocation, but for many, it changes over the years as we discover that there are professions beyond becoming footballers or teachers.
As we observe the people who are a part of our daily lives, we notice that a significant number of them are not satisfied with their jobs. Various reasons can lead to job dissatisfaction. It might be the result of a monotonous routine, a strained relationship with a boss or colleagues, or a sense of stagnation in personal and professional growth. However, according to research on workplace satisfaction, one reason stands out above the rest: fewer than 50% of people feel a sense of vocation or true calling in their work.
But as the old proverb goes, "There is no evil that lasts a hundred years," and at HRider, we are dedicated to providing solutions to ensure that employees are happy and fulfilled in their workplace.
It's our way of turning the ordinary into gold!
1. Evaluate your job preferences.
Our career aspirations and priorities can change as we go through life. According to research by Yale professor Amy Wrzesniewski, people often fall into one of three categories when it comes to their work:
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Those who see their work as a "career."
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Those who view it as just a "job."
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Those who consider it a "vocation."
Interestingly, people in the third category, who view their work as a vocation, tend to exhibit higher performance and greater job satisfaction. It's important to determine what truly matters to you at your current life stage, what motivates you, what you're passionate about, and build your career on that foundation.
2. Find the meaning of your work.
Not everyone finds their true vocation, but that doesn't mean your job can't have meaning. By reframing your tasks as opportunities to assist your colleagues, superiors, or the broader work chain, any position can become significant. The key is to find meaning in your work, understanding how it contributes to helping someone or something. Regardless of your organization's type or your role within it, every employee makes a unique contribution. The essential thing is to recognize the value you provide.
Understand the goals of your role, your work, and your organization. You are a crucial part of the team working towards achieving those goals!
3. Go further (if even then you can't get excited about your work)
If your company's services or the clients you work with don't inherently give meaning to your job, it's essential to consider the significance of having employment. Your job allows you to pay rent or your mortgage, take vacations, and indulge in hobbies like going to the movies, concerts, or traveling. This perspective can increase your productivity since you recognize the positive impacts of your occupation.
4. There is life beyond work.
Engage in hobbies or personal projects unrelated to your job that allow you to explore and develop innovative ideas. Pursuing interests outside of work can help combat job monotony and even inspire or motivate you in your professional life. Extra energy from your passions never hurts!
5. Consider a change.
If none of the previous steps seem to work, it might be time to contemplate a more significant transformation. As our priorities change, we must be willing to make adjustments. Consider whether you can find renewed enthusiasm within your current company or if it's time to explore a different path.
The most important thing is to remain hopeful. Falling in love with your work, whether it's the first time or all over again, often involves making small changes. Your job is a significant aspect of life, and its sense of purpose can motivate you to approach your tasks with enthusiasm, knowing that your contributions are part of something greater – your organization.
If you're a leader responsible for a team and you notice that one of your team members lacks enthusiasm for their work, consider initiating a performance evaluation. Through this evaluation, you can uncover the reasons behind their lack of motivation and satisfaction. It's possible that their current role isn't aligned with their skills or aspirations. By utilizing action plans and self-assessments, you can provide them with valuable tools for personal and professional growth.