How To Tell if a Job is Really for You

If you have been changing jobs like you are changing clothes for the last five years, then it’s probably time to rethink your career plan. For you, a job is probably like an auction: the employer who has the highest bid wins. Or perhaps you have been hopping around company after company searching for the one with the best environment, pay and benefits. It’s a common excuse for quitting—that the job is not for you. But one day, you will realize it’s time to stop hopping around. How do you know when this is the time?
 
Do you like what you are doing? Here are some indications that a job is really for you.

• If you don’t look at the wall clock and wish it’s time to go home already. 
• If you don’t look forward to Fridays, and if you do look forward to Mondays.
• If you are challenged with what you do and actually look forward to it.
• If it gives you satisfaction to finish a task and look forward to more.
• If you volunteer to take on extra work simply because the job is interesting.

If any of these apply, then chances are you like what you are doing. There are only a few people who truly find themselves enjoying their jobs. So if you think you like what you are doing, consider yourself lucky because the job is for you!

Are you happy with what you are getting? Along with the doing part comes the rewards part. It is not only the monetary aspect, but all the things the company can provide for you.

• Are you being given adequate opportunities for training?
• Is the salary good enough?
• Are there health plans and/or insurance?

Some people like what they do, but may not be compensated well enough. So while these folks enjoy the work, they are forced to find higher-paying jobs elsewhere, especially if that person is the breadwinner in the family.

Are you okay with your colleagues? This will include your peers and your boss. You don’t have to be friends with your colleagues in order to say that you are able to work well with them.

• Your boss is also your teacher. If he shares with you the tricks of the trade, if he encourages you to attend trainings, seminars, and workshops, and if you don’t argue too often, then you must be lucky.
• As for your colleagues, are you able to communicate with them well? Are there any office bullies? Do your peers extend a helping hand when you don’t know something? Are they willing to cover for you when you are on vacation? Do they take your calls when you are not around, and help the caller with their inquiries? If the answer is yes, then you’ve got colleagues from heaven!

Finding the right job with the right salary and benefits is the ideal situation. If you have great people around you, then that’s a plus. If you already made your match, don’t let go of it, and treasure your job.