#16. How to have a satisfying working life?
Description
It is true that some people know from an early age what career they want to pursue, and they are happy to spend the rest of their lives in the same profession. While I accept that this may suit many people, I believe that others enjoy changing careers or seeking job satisfaction in different ways
On the one hand, having a defined
career path can certainly lead to a
satisfying working life. Many people
decide as young children what they
want to do as adults and it gives them a great sense of satisfaction to work towards their goals and gradually achieve them. For example, many children dream of becoming doctors, but to realise this ambition they need to gain the relevant qualifications and
undertake years of training. In my
experience, very few people who have qualified as doctors choose to change career because they find their work so rewarding, and because they have invested so much time and effort to reach their goal
On the other hand, people find
happiness in their working lives in
different ways firstly not everyone
dreams of doing a particular job, and it can be equally rewarding to try a variety of professions; starting out on a completely new career path can be a reinvigorating
experience. Secondly, some people see their jobs as simply a means of earning money, and they are happy if their salary is high enough to allow them to enjoy life outside work. Finally, job satisfaction is often the result of working conditions, rather than the
career itself. for example a positive
working atmosphere, enthusiastic
colleagues, and an inspirational boss can make working life much more satisfying, regardless of the Profession
In conclusion, it can certainly be
satisfying to pursue a particular career for the whole of ones life but this is by no means the only route to fulfillment