How to Have a Satisfying Career

Having a satisfying career is not something you can suddenly decide to do on the spur of the moment. It is a never-ending and ongoing process filled with highpoints basking in a career sweet spot and low points laboring in a job or two you absolutely hate. In the end, it's all up to you to make sure that your career gives you the satisfaction you want. Consider these tips and strategies to have a satisfying career.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Do your personal values align with your career? A satisfying career fits your personal values. Consider the values that are particularly important to you; then overlay your career goals and aspirations. There must be a good fit or you will not be successful.

2. Do you enjoy your work? Studies have shown that people who enjoy their work get more satisfaction from their careers than those who hate their jobs. Make a deliberate choice to be satisfied with your work. Change your attitude and do whatever it takes to make your career a series of pleasant work experiences.

3. How satisfied are you with your boss? A good boss can make even the most boring or difficult work endurable, but a bad boss can make the perfect job or career intolerable. Watch for clues to your boss' expectations, tendencies and emotional triggers. Find ways to give meaningful and honest support.

4. What is the state of your work relationships? Second to bosses, co-workers can make or break a career. If you are unhappy being around certain colleagues and find it difficult to do your work when they are present, your career can stall as work relationships disintegrate. Take action to strengthen work relationships to keep difficult people from "breaking" your career.

5. Does your career provide opportunities to advance and grow? You are more likely to be satisfied if there are many chances to succeed. Develop an action plan to identify and take advantage of every career opportunity that comes your way. Use it to map out a new career or revamp your career goals.

6. Do you add value in your career? Your best chance of having a long and satisfying career is by becoming a value-added worker. Develop a reputation for excellence that addresses your company's needs. Find new and different ways to surpass expectations and requirements.

7. How disciplined are you? Self-discipline is the number one key to career success. It's the ability to keep going, even when you don't particularly like what you have been asked to do, or when you are discouraged. Set your mind and efforts to get the job done even when you lack competent or adequate supervision to complete the task. Show determination and develop a "can do" attitude to accomplish your goals.

Resources

• Take a Career Walk
• How to Look for Career Opportunities and Act of Them
• How to Tell If You're In a Career Sweet Spot
• How to Develop a Career Boosting Mindset
• How to Achieve Quick Wins in Your Career

[luv2blog]

on 10/3/2008 5 stars! A lot for a person to think about to determine if they have a satisfying career.