“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.
Shadi says
Really enjoy your blog. I am curious as to why you chose a picture of San Francisco for this post.
Shadi says
Love your blog and have been on the minimalism path for a few years now. Am curious as to why you chose a picture of San Francisco for this post.
Gill says
At 65 now, and having had cancer three ties, I wish I had read the above when I was 18! But I ended up very cynical because when I did work for charities for a lower salary, I found that other employees could be very unkind and not at all nice to work with, so I ended up thinking I might as well just go for the jobs that pay the most. On reflection, I think working with good people who you really get on with, and who you can have a laugh with, is very important. You can get in to work having rowed with your husband and been disrespected by your children, and within half an hour someone’s got you laughing and seeing it’s not as terrible as you thought. But if that job can also be for the good of people rather than large corporations, definitely so much the better. And had I lived minimally, rather than throwing money at silly things I’d seen in magazines – life would have been nearly perfect! I would just like to say … don’t stick in a horrible job – however well paid – it could make you very ill later!
Jim says
Very Interesting post! I’ve been working a job for 20yrs. now. I’ve changed alot since being hired. I’ve quit several times but never told anyone. I’ve had the freedom to grow alot in the years, however, it doesn’t meet alot of the criteria that you posted. Like others, I’ve created debt that has me in need of the position, but since finding your blog, feel this urging to free myself from things. Just some thoughts to share with you. Jim
Tracy says
In Singapore, no job ever meets all the above criteria. It seems the only possible way is to be your own boss, and even then not all entrepreneurs seem to be happy, maybe because it’s hard to run businesses here for several reasons.
city says
I feel like I’ve been stuck at dead end jobs were employers treat their employee like they should be lucky to have a job, I have responsibility to take care of so I deal with it as long as I can because of my criminal background it’s a challenge to find gainful employment I believe once I serve my time that my punishment is over the majority of people has broken the law in some way people that are in position to employee others I would like to say that because u don’t hire people that have criminal background don’t make your business any safer from things happening
Bea says
Thank you so much for creating this post! this really helped me in deciding whether to leave my present job over another which offers higher salary. After reading this, i have finally decided–im keeping my present job. In here, i am more comfortable and free spirited as my co-employees are most of the time happy. My bosses are very kind and considerate as well. Again, thank you.
DC says
I love this post! A few years I was in a job I partially loved. I agree very much with the above, feeling appreciated and trusted is huge. Now I am in job where I feel appreciated and trusted! I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of young ones and there are constantly opportunities for growth, and also there is the desire to grow and do better. At my last job, I had great benefits, but in my opinion it wasn’t work the emotional misery I went through every day. I felt like no matter how hard I worked, it was never good enough. I still struggle today because of it, but glad for those who remind me of the importance of my job and appreciative they are for what I do. My paycheck may not be huge, but I have enough to survive and I am happy! That’s all that matters!
tc says
I have been with the same employer for 14 years now and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon. I am supported in one way or another every day. Professional development is encouraged, my CEO knows almost every employee (600+) by their first name, free parking, onsite bistro, generous leave entitlements, a brilliant employee culture, close to home, enviable work life balance policies, and some great managers.
Kristen says
Synchronicity appears to be in play here. I’ve been throwing out at least one thing a day for the past few weeks on route to becoming minimalist (although the espresso machine will never go) …
This morning I was thinking about how I could leave my second job to concentrate on my work helping people to reduce stress in their lives. This afternoon the woman I work for put me on the spot to ‘discuss’ personality issues between us, and I raised my concern about not having incentive to be there (covering both points 2 &3).
This evening as I am working out whether or not to leave for good when I go in on Monday I am presented with this post on Facebook.
I think I know which direction I’m headed in now.