5 Things That Actually Contribute to Career Satisfaction

Searching for a new job or changing career comes with a lot of consideration. While it can be appealing to focus on desired salary, there are some other important factors that contribute to career satisfaction over time: genuine interest, ability to grow, future planning, work/life balance, and work environment.

1. Genuine Interest

Having an interest in the work you already have a role in or are seeking roles in will go a long way in the long run. Everyone wants a job that doesn’t feel like “work”. What this really means is that it holds a level of your interest or excitement to make the long days go by faster and make the result of working on projects satisfying. When looking for a job, the work should be stimulating enough to keep you motivated in the role. When employees are passionate about their work, it adds to a more fun and engaging workplace. Being more invested in your role also lends to performance and allows you to develop in your role, leading to more opportunity later.

2. Ability to Grow

Working for a business that prioritizes growth and development for employees demonstrates they care about their people. Growing within a company that tracks your progress is a wonderful opportunity to work your way up or learn valuable skills that transfer to other job opportunities. Everyone wants their hard work recognized, so working in a place that marks progress and loyalty allows you to feel proud and confident in your performance. This contributes toward a healthy work life you are happy to enter every day. 

3. Future Planning 

A lot of businesses now offer 401k retirement and savings plans that you have options for contributing into with every paycheck. The best deal is if the company is willing to match contributions up to a certain percent. Many businesses offer contributions of 3 or 4%, meaning that if you contribute 4% of your paycheck, the business will as well. While you are free to contribute whatever you are comfortable with, start contributing early, and contributing the maximum will lead to greater savings, setting up your financial security beyond your employment and into your retirement years. Being able to pay into retirement or pension accounts also adds a personal stake in your role. You aren’t just working for business results but working for your future and the future finances of your family. It’s a wonderful opportunity to build future financial security every day you clock in.

4. Work/Life Balance

If you have children, care for family members, or have other responsibilities and passions, looking for a position that offers some flexibility will prove very valuable in the long run. Whether that is flexibility in scheduling or working for a company that has set hours and days where you are guaranteed time away so you can see to your needs and responsibilities, this contributes greatly to work satisfaction. It means the company values balance and believes their employees perform their best when there are clear business boundaries. When passionate about your work, it can be tempting to always stay available, but having time to rest can improve overall wellness, stimulate creativity, and improve career satisfaction. Having a balanced career is one you can invest in for years that invests back into your life.

5. Work Environment

In asking a handful of people around me about the impact their coworkers have on their workday, nearly all of them stated their coworkers help them feel happy and satisfied in their careers. Friendship, healthy communication, and teamwork allow workers to feel valued and welcome in their team. When challenges arise, even if the work is more difficult, having a happy workplace facilitates problem-solving and collective achievement. Being able to work alongside other people who are happy to be in your place of work, matters. Positivity is contagious. 

As you search for a new role in your field or consider your next career move, consider these points and you’re sure to find yourself somewhere you could stay and grow, and do so happily.