“Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you’ll have more success than you could possibly have imagined.” —Roger Caras
Have you ever been asked, “What do you look for in a job?”
Perhaps a friend has asked you that out of curiosity, or you’ve heard it at a job interview.
The default thought is often the pay. After all, that’s why many of us get jobs, right?
But dig deeper and you will find many more factors to consider in what to look for in a job.
Minimalism has many benefits. It gives freedom, time, and reduces stress. Minimalism also reduces the amount of money required for life.
As a result, it provides an opportunity to choose work based on a number of factors—not just the size of the paycheck. Once we learn contentment with less, we are free to weigh any number of factors in choosing work. Embrace minimalism. It opens up countless opportunities in life and work.
To help you enjoy waking up in the morning, consider these 12 things to look for in a job:
1) It makes a positive difference
Choose a job that adds value to our world, that leaves it better than you found it, and genuinely helps other people.
2) You enjoy your co-workers
Given the fact that you will spend a large percentage of your day at work, be sure you enjoy the people around you. It is comforting to know that they support you, cheer for you, and work together as a team.
3) You feel appreciated and valued
A paycheck is nice, but that goes straight to the bank. On the other hand, appreciation is something you carry in your soul every day. This appreciation can be communicated through respect, unexpected gifts, or just an old-fashioned “thank-you.”
4) You are trusted
It’s nice to know that somebody isn’t always looking over your shoulder. And when you are given a task, you are given the freedom to complete it.
5) It is something you love to do
The old adage is completely true, “Find a job that you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Look for a job that keeps you motivated by its very nature, not solely by the paycheck – because that wears off real fast.
6) It fits your personality
Anyone who has ever taken a personality test knows we all have unique personalities that thrive in certain environments. Some enjoy working with people, others enjoy completing tasks. Some like making the decisions, others don’t. Find a job that fits your sweet spot. And by the way, if you keep getting this one wrong, there are people who can help you.
7) It challenges you to grow
Look for a job that will make you better and allow you to work hard. Whether through challenging assignments, educational opportunities, demanding excellence, or informal mentors, a job that forces you to grow beyond your current skill set will make you a better person and it, a better company.
8) The company’s values align with yours
At the end of the day, your integrity is what matters most. Don’t compromise it every time you walk into the workplace. If you are at a job that requires you to suspend your personal convictions, you don’t need to be—nor should you be.
9) A flexible, results-oriented culture
A culture of flexibility suggests a results-driven focus—one that is more interested in you successfully completing your job with excellence than clocking in a set amount of work hours during a specified time of the day.
10) It values family
You value your family. Your job should too.
11) It brings balance to life
Work is not so bad when you love it. But if you are not allowed to explore other endeavors (play/hobbies/family) because of its demands, it is not healthy for your soul, life, or body. Find a job that allows you to enjoy your life outside of work too.
12) It brings you satisfaction
The ability to look back at your day, your year, or your life with satisfaction is more valuable than any number of digits in the bank.
Own less stuff. Do work you love.
Next time you’re asked about what you’re looking for in a job, you’ll have a dozen fantastic answers that go beyond just pay.
Sara says
A really good post and the comments are really interesting. I work hard. I always have. But, I am yet to find a job I actually enjoy.
Jessica Vibberts says
Thank you for a great post. I have had the pleasure of working for 12 years at an incredible organization that meets all 12 of your points in spades and even when the work is tough (we are a nonprofit serving high-potential low-income youth), the reality is that I know the work matters, and my contribution is highly valued. I am grateful to get to model this kind of investment in my work for my 5-yr-old daughter- she sees me and her Daddy doing what we love. I witness that when people see their work as part of their life (vs. separate from their lives) they are much more fulfilled.
Lisa says
I wish I had the luxury of taking a job I liked over a job that pays my bills. I live a minimalist life style as it is, but being single and owning a home makes it necessary to make enough to pay the bills…. and saving money up to be able to retire as well. Good post… if you are able to have those options.
Gwen Wolff says
O.K., I don’t agree with Roger Caras’s statement: “Never continue a job you don’t enjoy.” If you have bills to pay, there will be times in your life you need to do ANY job available to you to take care of your responsibilities. Half the problem with American’s finances is that they feel “entitled” to a glamorous dream job right out of college (or high school) without having to do their time as the low man on the totem pole. When they can’t do what they love, they just do nothing and expect family or the government to take care of them.
kris says
I agree. What happened to satisfaction from a job well done?
Douglas E. Heeren says
I came to this site after hearing two men being interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio. This is what I have been looking for. The last 3+ yrs I have been working 60-70 hrs a week, every weekend(my day off is monday), every holiday, the company won’t let me take my vacation so I cash it in at the end of the year. I want more out of life. This is the information I need for a new start.
Christian chinedu says
Wow…….What a revelation! I trained as a journalist, but I’ve earned a living since graduation as a barber and petty boutique owner. Sixteen years on, family pressure from marriage and three children is making me have no life at all. Am naturally minimalistic, however, i have realised that am now no more than a slave to my business and pursuit of money. With so many bills to offset and money being in so much short supply, am just dying slowly. I live in Nigeria.
Craig says
Great post. Very timely. In 2 weeks I walk away from my job and into the unknown. A job that literally sucked out the will to live. The pay is great and that’s the only thing that held me there. What allows me to make this decision if the fact I don’t have house or car payments.
After nearly 8 years of stress, aggravation, and brokenness I finally resolved to put in my 2 week notice. Once that decision was made I began to feel all of that stress, and aggravation start to lift. I will make it. Money ISN’T everything. I cautiously look forward to the adventure ahead.
Linda Slayton says
Bless you on your new journey. I just retired from a job that had sucked the life out of me for many years. I am learning to live all over again.
Danielle says
I was in your position just over two years ago, and leaving my soul-destroying (though very well paid) job was the best thing I ever did. I have since had another child, paid off my mortgage and now work part-time with an amazing group of people in the education sector – so much joy that I deprived myself of for years because of the $$$$. Best wishes on your new journey, Craig. Yes, you will make it!
Clint says
I work for a small town newspaper and I was able to answer yes to about 3/4’s of the questions. Unfortunately, the last question is a resounding no. I call what I do “disposable creativity”. I have a lot of “non-disposable creativity inside me, but I have to use all my spare time to accomplish it.
Michelle says
I just read “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin, et al. They talk about how some jobs are “making a dying” not a living, when they drain you of energy, money (clothes, etc), time (commute, unwind), etc.
It is an interesting look at work from a different perspective.
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