Searching for the elusive job satisfaction - Military Careers, Second Careers - Air Force Times

Searching for the elusive job satisfaction

Question: I’ve changed jobs so often in my career that I can’t imagine staying at one place for longer than three or four years. I always find something wrong with every job. Either it’s the people I work with or the job itself. I’m never satisfied and easily become bored with my tasks. I’m afraid that I’ll end up changing jobs endlessly and never be fully satisfied. I believe that it is time to commit to a job and try to work it out. Please help!

Answer: The good thing is that you are not afraid of change. When it comes to work, we all have difficult moments. The relationships we build at work can be a quite powerful factor that can influence our performance as well as overall job satisfaction. Sometimes it just takes time to build these relationships. It is also important that you take pride in your work. Here are some things you can try to stay satisfied at your work:

• Speak your mind. If you find yourself dissatisfied with something, say it. No one can read your mind. Find the right person to talk to and create a solution. It is important that you stay logical and professional about an issue. If the tasks you are performing are not challenging enough, let your boss know. Remember: When there’s a problem, there’s also a solution. Communication is the key.

• Build relationships. Relationships at work are very important. Many times you are with co-workers more than you are with your loved ones. It is no wonder that your job will be less satisfying if you do not have a positive relationship with co-workers. Be sincere, listen to and learn from your co-workers. It will enhance your workday.

• Take pride in your work. No matter how small a task is, if it’s important to you, it will be important to others. Show that you are committed to everything, and the rewards will be great. Think of the results, and people that will be affected by your performance. Your effort will be recognized!

• Stay positive. Don’t depend on others to make you happy — depend on yourself. Turn the negatives into positives.

(Michael Crom writes the Success Coach column. He is executive vice president of Dale Carnegie Training. E-mail carnegiecoach@dalecarnegie.com.)