Finding Joy on the Job

I am always thrilled when I meet someone who loves their job. I spoke to some snowplow and shovel guys last night who had spent all day clearing more than a couple of feet of snow. One of them told me that this was nice light snow and easy to move. The others told me that this was a fun job, despite the long hours - they got to be outside doing something they enjoyed.

My UPS delivery person is one of the happiest people I know. I get a lot of packages, so I see him a few times a week. We're on a first name basis and he's always cheerful, in a good mood, and enjoying his job. I've met an accountant who almost literally jumped with joy while speaking about potential tax savings for a small business. While holiday shopping, I noticed two young associates having fun pretending to zap each others with scanners. In the spirit of the season, their boss was amused too. The person who helped tie the Christmas tree on the roof of the car cheerfully apologized for having to charge us for the ribbon for our wreath, but offered us hot chocolate in consolation.

Talking to people who enjoy their job, always reminds me about the one essential factor you need to consider when evaluating a job offer. You need to decide what's most important to you and how much you're going to enjoy your new job. I've known too many people who took a job just because it paid more money or seemed more prestigious than their old job - and regretted the decision later.

More: What's Important to You?

_{Image © Alison Doyle}