Chase had a great career and his future looked even brighter. A success in his chosen profession, he had reached the pinnacle of his career with all the markers of success surrounding him; the right car, the right title at work and a beautiful home.
I wondered why he would want to meet with me to discuss his career and future. It took no more than three sentences for it to all come pouring out.
“I have spent my whole career climbing to the pinnacle of my profession and I now that I am here I realize it wasn’t what I thought. I thought the promotions and the pay would make me happier and it didn’t,” Chase told me. “Everyone thinks I am a success, but I consider myself a failure. I have wasted all these years at a job I don’t like for all the wrong reasons.”
After my discussion with Chase I walked him to the door and watched him stroll to his new SUV complete with entertainment center and numerous screens that could play multiple shows at the same time. I envisioned my kids keeping quiet on our long summer vacation drives with such entertainment.
How hard could Chase’s life really be? Could he be that unhappy? Couldn’t one learn to love a job that provided a similar lifestyle? Give me a raise or a large bonus and I can show you happy!
It was difficult to watch an individual so depressed about his successful career. As I thought about my conversation with Chase the words of Henry David Thoreau came to mind: “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.”
Chase wanted to change his job because he realized his career wasn’t providing him a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Unfortunately for those who think more and more (and more!) money will solve their problems, research shows that your career fulfillment is not largely dependent on how much cash you bring in, but a list of other factors — which you actually can control.
Read through the following “Career Fulfillment/Happiness” factors and determine those you currently find at your workplace and which aspects you may be missing:
1. My work is interesting and challenging.
2. I am appreciated in the work that I do.
3. I have the opportunity for growth and development.
4. I see a future in my current role if I choose to not be promoted.
5. There is a good environment at my workplace.
6. I have a work/life balance
7. I have friends at work
8. I have a voice at work and I am able to say my opinion.
9. I get rewarded in different ways for my hard work
10. I feel there are opportunities for advancement
To find career fulfillment we all have different wants and needs as individuals, but what is most important is to take the time to identify the factors that are important to you. Before you take a new job or a promotion or change your career; weigh in on the fulfillment factors before you let money play a strong role in your decision. For long term career fulfillment and enjoyment look to the list--Remember, it’s your career!
A consultant, author, PhD, triathlete, father, and resident of Gilbert, Dr. CK Bray is a career and organizational development expert who has worked with numerous organizations – ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging start-ups. He can be reached at ck@DrCKBray.com or find his blog and more at www.DrCKBray.com.
Zaphoid posted at 4:39 pm on Sat, Oct 13, 2012.
For the first few years of my selected career choice I was very happy. I was energized, educating myself, earning a good living and meeting interesting people - and getting interesting assignments.
As I ascended in seniority I was required to abandon my original assignments and take on more political and managerial assignments and these became less and less rewarding even though the money was better.
I soon reached a point where I was not enjoying the work at all but by that time had a house and family to support so there was no practical alternative to changing careers. I toughed it out for 15 more years taking the money and enjoying my family and outside life and just doing what was necessary at work.
When the first opportunity came to retire I jumped at the chance and have not regretted it one bit.
Very few people get the chance to spend their working lives at something they really enjoy. The rest of us work to finance doing the things we enjoy.
Suelee posted at 5:52 am on Mon, Oct 15, 2012.
The real issue is occupational wellness. Sometimes we expect too much from a job. Odds are very good that the way you earn your living will not be the way you obtain occupational fulfillment. Here are some other ways you can reach this goal:
1. Volunteer--if your passion is to work with children, but you work on an assembly line, then volunteer at a school, pediatric unit at a hospital, or scouts.
2. Hobby--you are a high power executive, but yearn to work with your hands. Take up woodworking. Your job is routine and your creative self screams for an outlet--try a craft.
Dr CK Bray posted at 7:05 pm on Mon, Oct 29, 2012.
I appreciate your insight and comments, both of you raise some great points in how to find more fulfillment at work.
Zaphoid- You provided a warning I often give my clients. They need to make sure they think about the benefits and consequences of taking a promotion. Most promoted individuals are soon living up to their new salary and then can often get "stuck," losing the option to make other choices because of financial responsibilities.
Suelee-I really like your ideas on how individuals can find occupational fulfillment outside of the workplace. If you are happy in your personal life it often bleeds over into your worklife.
Thanks for your comments