Is Job Satisfaction Really Achievable?

All my life I dreamed of what I would be when I grew up. Now that I've reached middle age, I sometimes find myself having that same thought, except I am grown up. I currently have a full-time position with a company, and I also have a freelance business on the side. My lack of job satisfaction has bought added stress into my freelance work, and I'm eager to find a resolution.

Recently I started asking myself these questions.

How can I get satisfaction in my current job?
Am I in the right career for my personality?
What do I like about my current company, and it is the right fit for me?

Recently someone asked me, "if you could have the perfect job, what would that be?" I thought that was an easy question, but my mind began to wonder and I really wasn't sure.

I have worked in the internet industry now for about 12 years, and I do love the excitement of the ever changing technology and the power that the internet has on our world. But I continue to ask myself, is this the right place for me and how do I achieve job satisfaction?

I find that when I start a new job, it is so exciting. I'm learning new things, meeting new people, and I think, this is it! This is the perfect job! Then as time goes by, as the workload increases, and stress creeps in, it doesn't seem fun anymore.

So I ask myself, "How do I restore meaning to my current job and feel that excitement after the newness wears off?"

Daily stress can cause lack of job satisfaction and lack of job satisfaction can cause stress. So how do I figure out why I'm not happy in my current job?

Here are a few things that have caused me stress and lack of job satisfaction:

- Poor communication from those in charge
- Conflicts with co-workers and lack of resolution
- Increased work loads, that require extreme overtime hours
- Having little say in decisions that affect my position
- Lack of planning and process
- Lack of rewards

To begin the process of figuring out how to maintain job satisfaction, I know there are certain things I need to keep more balanced.

- All work and no play makes Jake a dull boy. This phrase is very true and I need to bring more of a balance between my work responsibilities and my personal life. Everyone needs time for relationships, sleep, health, and hobbies.

- Attitude. When stress creeps into a my life, my attitude usually shifts. Trying to stay positive and keep an optimistic point of view can make you more productive and less stressed.

- Volunteering. Even though I have very little extra time, I volunteer. Do something to help your community. It feels good to give of yourself.

I'd love to know what you do to maintain job satisfaction.

Facts to get through this Economic Crisis!

Did you know?

If you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, you are spending approximately $98.51 a month, and a total of $1,182.09 per year. Good time to stop smoking, you will have better health and more money.

An average 12 oz. cup of coffee from Starbucks costs $1.40 (does not include lattes or mochas), and a total of $506.80 a year for one cup a day. If I brew coffee at home, an average cup costs $.54 for a total of $195.48, for a savings of $311.32.


A few tips that I like to live by....

1. Never go to the grocery store hungry. You will buy way too much food and items you don't need or want.

2. Avoid the urge to make an impulse purchase, put the item back and wait a month or two, usually after time passes, you no longer want the item.

3. Take advantage of your company's 401(k) or IRA match. No other time in your life will someone give you free money. Take it!

4. Use your local library for books, movies and CDs. Garage sales are another means to get cheap stuff that is in great shape. Paying full price is a waste of money.

5. Get a membership to your local Sam's club and buy paper towels, toilet paper, and trash bags in bulk. You will buy less often and save money.

6. Pack your lunch, it is a healthier choice and can save you hundreds of dollars.

7. Ask for water when you dine out. The price of soda and alcoholic beverages can add so much onto your bill.

8. Avoid buying things that are individually wrapped which will sometimes double the price of the item.

9. Try to use all the groceries you purchase and find a recipe online for using leftovers.

10. Drive your car longer. Cars are not considered investments so if you keep your vehicle up with routine maintenance, it will last longer and save you on monthly car payments.

The Power of Simple Things:Top Five Things that Fill Me with Awe

1. The beautiful blooms that open after a nice summer rain. After a rain, my flowers have a beauty that is very different than when I water them. Nature has a way of supplying life with something more significant.

2. Good people - no strings attached. As I go through life, I find that I am filled with so much joy from the good people around me. I often meet new people who are decent and kind and have a unique quality of good in them.

3. The rise and fall of the ocean. There is something magical that comes from the waves of tides. On Sanibel Island in Florida I walk on the beach with water rushing in and sand between my toes and a peace overtakes me. I could stay here in this moment forever!

4. Family - blood IS thicker than water. When I was young, I didn't realize the commitment my family had to me and I left them in my dust as I went out to explore the world. Even with imperfections, to know that they are always there is so profound.

5. Touch - an instinctive human need. There is something very therapeutic about physical touch. I have a new nephew and all I want to do when I'm around him is hold him in my arms. A loving touch is known to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones. As a result, the immune system works better and people stay healthier.