“Never
continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll
like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with
physical health, you’ll have more success than you could possibly have
imagined.” —Roger Caras
Minimalism
has many benefits. It gives freedom, time, and reduces stress. Minimalism also
reduces the amount of money required for life.
As a
result, it provides opportunity to choose work based on a number of factors—not
just the size of the paycheck. Once we learn contentment with less, we are free
to weigh any number of factors in choosing work. Embrace
minimalism. It opens up countless opportunities in life and work.
To help
you enjoy waking up in the morning, consider these 12 factors in a job other
than a paycheck.
1. It makes
a positive difference. Choose a job that adds value to our world, that leaves
it better than you found it, and genuinely helps other people.
2. You
enjoy your co-workers. Given the fact that you will spend a large percentage of
your day at work, be sure you enjoy the people around you. It is comforting to
know that they support you, cheer for you, and work together as a team.
3. You feel
appreciated and valued. A paycheck is nice, but that goes straight to the bank.
On the other hand, appreciation is something you carry in your soul every day.
This appreciation can be communicated through respect, unexpected gifts, or
just an old-fashioned “thank-you.”
4. You are
trusted. It’s nice to know that somebody isn’t always looking over your
shoulder. And when you are given a task, you are given the freedom to complete
it.
5. It is
something you love to do. The old adage is completely true, “Find a job that
you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Look for a job that
keeps you motivated by its very nature, not solely by the paycheck – because
that wears off real fast.
6. It fits
your personality. Anyone who has ever taken a personality test knows we all
have unique personalities that thrive in certain environments. Some enjoy
working with people, others enjoy completing tasks. Some like making the
decisions, others don’t. Find a job that fits your sweet spot. And by the way,
if you keep getting this one wrong, there are people who can help you.
7. It
challenges you to grow. Look for a job that will make you better. Whether
through challenging assignments, educational opportunities, demanding
excellence, or informal mentors, a job that forces you to grow beyond your
current skill set will make you a better person and it, a better company.
8. The
company’s values align with yours. At the end of the day, your integrity is
what matters most. Don’t compromise it every time you walk into the workplace.
If you are at a job that requires you to suspend your personal convictions, you
don’t need to be—nor should you be.
9. A
flexible, results-oriented culture. A culture of flexibility suggests a
results-driven focus—one that is more interested in you successfully completing
your job with excellence than clocking in a set amount of work hours during a
specified time of the day.
10. It
values family. You value your family. Your job should too.
11. It
brings balance to life. Work is not so bad when you love it. But if you are not
allowed to explore other endeavors (play/hobbies/family) because of its
demands, it is not healthy for your soul, life, or body. Find a job that allows
you to enjoy your life outside of work too.
12. It
brings you satisfaction. The ability to look back at your day, your year, or
your life with satisfaction is more valuable than any number of digits in the
bank.
Own less
stuff. Do work you love.
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