Ask Sue
A Weekly Q&A Column About Professionalism, Etiquette and Problems in the Workplace
by Sue Morem

Find a Job You Enjoy

Dear Sue: How do I find a job I can enjoy? I haven’t had a job I’m excited about going to, but would like to find one.

- J.S.

Sue Says: Few people start out in the job of their dreams. It can take years to figure out what you really want to be doing. Pay close attention to the things you do, both in and outside of work. Notice what you are doing when you feel most energized and alert. Try to determine what you would do if you could spend your time doing anything you wanted. What do you most frequently think about, talk about, or read about? Start by identifying the things you are most interested in and enthused about.

If getting a paycheck is the only thing motivating you to get out of bed and go to work each day, try to identify ways to find more meaning in your work. Are you connecting with your coworkers and customers? Strong relationships are an important aspect of any job, and knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life is rewarding. Look for ways to reach out to others. Connecting with and helping others will help you too, and may improve the way you feel about every other aspect of a job.

Some people love every job they have, and it’s not because each job is perfect. They have the ability to find the good in what they do. Although some jobs are better than others, no job will make you happy if you are unhappy. If you are consistently dissatisfied, before you look to change jobs again, think about making changes within.

Sue Morem is a professional speaker, trainer and syndicated columnist. She is author of the newly released 101 Tips for Graduates and How to Gain the Professional Edge, Second Edition. You can contact her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com. 

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