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.
