Earlier this year, it was widely reported that less than half of all employees in the U.S. are satisfied with their jobs. In fact, job satisfaction has hit a 22-year low.
Certainly the recession and subsequent layoffs have increased everyone’s anxiety about keeping their jobs. When layoffs occur, morale typically takes a dive. Even for those who have kept their jobs, growth and accomplishment have been hard to come by, as have bonuses and increases.
While money is certainly an important part of what makes work rewarding, money alone won’t make a grind bearable. And yet many people evaluate job opportunities primarily based on income. It is a mistake I see far too often. Usually people who take a job based solely on income, without evaluating other important factors, end up sorely disappointed. If the money doesn’t pan out as expected, then they begin to slide the slippery slope of changing from one job to the next, always chasing a better paycheck.
People who enjoy the day-to-day of their work find their reward when they get out of bed each morning, rather than waiting until their paycheck arrives. As a recruiter, it’s extremely exciting to learn when someone I’ve placed is in love with their job. I know success is at hand, for them and the company.
I got a note from one happy rep recently:
“How are you? Things are awesome here at [Company A]. It’s a refreshing, fun environment. Easily the most fun job I have ever had. It’s never lacking a dull moment, I am constantly busy and love it. I love working with doctors and nurses. Thanks so much for your help in getting me in here. I am expecting big things for 2010 and 2011!”
If you are considering a new position, be sure you are evaluating the position on its full merits, rather than narrowly on first-year income. Here are a few questions to ask yourself about a company and prospective job opportunity:
- Is the company responsive to its employees? Are there open lines of communication for resolving issues?
- What you have enjoyed most about your past jobs and why? Does this job offer more of it?
- Does the job fit with your long-term career plan, or is is a detour?
- Is your prospective boss someone you can learn from?
- What avenues of growth does the company offer? This could be in the form of new products, training or career advancement.
If you are dissatisfied with your current position, you are apparently not alone. If you are considering changing positions, it’s all the more important to take stock to make sure you’re making a positive career move, rather than just alleviating your present discomfort. Increasing your day-to-day job satisfaction should be just as important as increasing your paycheck — maybe even more so.
A job you enjoy is one where you will thrive, rather than flee. If you aren’t sure that a job will be more satisfying than your current role, my advice is to pass. Even if the income is greater, you will pay a price in the long run.
Lisa McCallister specializes in recruiting for medical device sales and marketing positions with an operating room focus, such as orthopedics, electrosurgery, endoscopy and a wide range of surgical specialties. She has recruited two Rookie of the Year award winners. Connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her blog, MyJobScope.com.