Finding Success at Any Job

Job satisfaction is not a distant goal you have to spend years pursuing. You can achieve contentment and success in any job by fostering a realistic mentality that takes your skills, temperament and financial needs into account. Find out which jobs fit your skill set, and be willing to see the value in an unglamorous position. Working hard at jobs you perform well in can guide you to fulfilling positions, providing long-term career success.

1. Set Practical Expectations

Following your dreams and doing what you love are great ideals, but they do not always translate into real life. Mike Rowe, TV host of “Dirty Jobs,” says he wanted to be an expert plumber and steamfitter like his grandfather, but he abandoned that dream when he realized he was not good at the job. Rowe advises job seekers to forget about the concept of a perfect fit and look for work that feels worthwhile. Job satisfaction comes from finding meaningful positions that are also financially viable.

2. Know Yourself

No matter how attractive your dream job appears to be, you cannot fully understand its ups and downs until you take on the role yourself. If you want to avoid disappointment, evaluate your personality to determine what tasks you struggle with and what tasks you absolutely hate. Instead of staying devoted to a dream, consider your strengths and the type of work that keeps you engaged. You may realize the world is full of opportunities that are realistically suited to your personality, but you have to let go of the jobs that are not a good fit.

3. Take on New Challenges

Sometimes, a stagnant work life prevents job satisfaction. Avoid falling into a cycle of low productivity, and use your downtime to find other avenues to expand your skills. Take advantage of training classes provided by your employers, ask for permission to take the lead on a difficult project or offer your expertise as a mentor to a new employee. Enriching your work life keeps you motivated and fulfilled while opening the door to greater career success.

4. Fill a Void

Keep your ego under control, and avoid treating job duties as too trivial or inferior. The image of the overworked assistant who fetches coffee is a universal turn-off because the job seems menial and pointless. However, taking the jobs that others do not want helps you fill a void and show your flexibility. You can gain opportunities with minimal competition, as others were not willing to match your efforts. You also gain job satisfaction and a sense of pride from succeeding in positions others did not even dare to attempt, says Rowe.

5. Know Your Value

The key to job satisfaction is understanding that your value is not measured by how much public recognition you receive. Remind yourself that your contributions are important and help your employers run a productive, successful business. With a positive mentality, you can focus on doing your best on the job.

Achieve lasting success and job satisfaction by being open to new possibilities, even when they do not immediately seem attractive. Evaluate what a job requires you to do, how it relates to your abilities and what you can gain from it, whether the ROI is a new skill set or an influential contact.

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