Are you in love with your job?

The working landscape has changed drastically in the last few years. With Millennials entering the workforce, gone are the days of employees staying in one position for 15, 20 or 30 years. Candidates have realized that the only way to live a more fulfilling life is to maintain a work/life balance and to do something that not only gratifies them financially but in growth and creativity as well. PrideStaff Financial has put together some questions to help guide you in answering the most basic but crucial question—do I love my job?

Make a Pro/Con List:
Yes, we are telling you to make a pro/con list. On a sheet of paper, with the classic line drawn down the middle, write out pros on one side and cons on the other. First list what you dislike about your current job. Take your time with it and be methodical. Write the con’s out first because chances are they will be much easier to list—its human nature to see the faults before the positives. Once this is complete then list what you really like about the job. In listing these, find things that would keep you there and make you happy about the job. Don’t list things that are good in general but won’t keep you where you are. Now that you have this list, take a look at which side is longer. Do the negatives outweigh the positives? Are there negatives that can be overlooked? These questions are crucial in deciding how you feel about your current job or company.

Why did you take the job?
Is the position you’re in now a position you took purely based on monetary benefit? If so, that only lasts for so long. Most people need a deep seeded connection; personal motivation, toward what they are working on, to keep them satisfied in the long-term. While it’s great to makes lots of money, as human beings we need something more driving our desires, what we do in life, to keep us whole and balanced. For many, this includes innovation, creativity, growth potential that may include some type of leadership possibility, and healthy working relationships. If you are asking this question and find that the money isn’t enough to make you happy then it may be time to look for a new job.

Are you using up your allotted of sick days?
People who are not happy in their current position or profession find themselves utilizing their benefit packages more so than others. If you find that you are one of these people, and not even half way through the year and have already used up your sick days, then it’s time to re-evaluate what is keeping you where you are? People who are not happy in their job carry more emotional stress than those who are happy and content. Eventually this stress builds up and will lead to physical ailments. Research shows that stress can cause a whole host of physical symptoms, from headaches/migraines, anxiety and fatigue to digestive problems and heart health.  

Are You Happy?
There is only one question you really need to ask yourself…. Am I happy in my current job/career track? If you don’t know how to answer this then conduct a mental exercise to help. Picture a perfect day at your job. Imagine that you are doing exactly what you want to do for that day. Are you working on a project that you want to work on? Do you feel motivated and energized doing the work? Are you excited to go in to work? Do you enjoy seeing your team and colleagues? Can you envision growing with the company or expanding your role? Pay attention to how you’re feeling and how your body is responding to the mental picture. If you can answer yes to these questions and “feel” happy, then you’re on the right track. If not then let PrideStaff Financial help get you where you want to be!

If these questions have led you to the realization that you may need a change, PrideStaff Financial, awarded Inavero’s 2014 Diamond Award, can get you back on track. Contact our financial recruiters today!