What Makes Your Job Worth Doing?

Are you in a job that you love? For those who love their jobs, it is unimaginable that they would quit and do something else. Some people even love their jobs so much that they would happily work, even if they didn’t have to for the money.

Other people aren’t as lucky. They feel stuck in jobs they hate. But, if they were to look for a new job, would they be any happier? One way to evaluate your career is to consider what makes your job worth doing – or what a job worth doing would look like.

What Do You Do?

Ask yourself this question: What do I do? How do you answer this question? Is it an uninspired response that deflates your mood a little bit when you hare it? Or does your response have a more positive tone?

Think about what you do, and whether you feel as though it has value. Many people like to feel as though they help others, or as though they are, in some small way, making the world a better place. When you believe in what you are doing, and when you believe that you are making a positive difference, it’s easier to feel as though your job is worth doing.

Mentally walk yourself through a typical day, and consider your tasks. If you feel that you accomplish meaningful tasks, you are far more likely to be satisfied with your job, and happy in yourself.

Who Do You Work With?

Even a boring job can be made worth doing if you work with pleasant people that you enjoy being around. In many cases, the people you work with make a huge difference. Positive, upbeat people create an environment that is fun to work in – even if the actual work is disappointing.

On the flip side, it is difficult to work with negative people. If your office is full of politics, cliques and backbiting, it might not be worth it to stick around. Even important and fulfilling work becomes tedious when your nerves are constantly strained by the emotional environment in your office. Consider the people you work with, and whether or not they make your job worth doing.

How Much Flexibility Do You Have?

Many workers prize flexibility in their jobs. The ability to take time off when needed is always desirable. Flexible work hours are also a plus. Can you come in and leave at a convenient time? Some jobs allow you the option to come in early and leave early. Jobs like that are worth doing, since you have a better ability to take care of your family when needed, and respond to emergencies.

Some jobs are even so flexible that there is an element of telecommuting. Being able to telecommute can be a really big deal when it comes to working. You may not be able to work from home every day, but being able to work from home two or three days a week can be a real bonus. Many people stay in jobs that they might not particularly enjoy because of the flexibility afforded them.

Are You Reasonably Compensated?

Another consideration is how much money you make. You might be willing to put up with a lot if you are being paid enough. A toxic environment, uninspiring work, and a rigid schedule can all be overcome if you are making enough money. People have been known to work long hours for years because they are highly compensated. It’s also important to take into account the benefits package and perks. Sometimes, good benefits make up for a lower paycheck.

On the other hand, others aren’t paid enough to put up with their work. If you do a lot of work, and you don’t feel fairly compensated, you could easily decide that your job isn’t worth doing. Some people, though, enjoy what they do, and who they work with so much that they don’t mind taking lower pay – especially if they feel as though they are doing something important.

What’s Important to You?

Decide what is most important to you, and then determine if, based on your criteria, the job is worth doing. Many of us look for a mix when it comes to a job. We consider many variables, including location, pay, co-workers, the type of work being done, and the flexibility involved. Once you decide what is most important to you, it is easier to make a determination regarding whether or not your job is worth doing.