5 Ways to Know if a Job Will Bring You Joy

Finding joy in your job is essential for overall career and personal satisfaction. Happy employees are more likely to stay with a company and contribute to its success.  There are many things that go into creating that joy at work. As someone who has experienced both sides of the spectrum at previous jobs, here is what I have discovered as keys to knowing if a job will bring you joy.

1. Alignment with Your Values

One of the most significant factors in determining whether you will find joy in your job is how closely aligned work is with your personal beliefs and values. Knowing the mission and vision statement of the company will help you better understand its purpose. Developing relationships with some of the employees through networking will give you a better understanding of the types of individuals that you will work with, what the company stands for, and who they support within the community. Ultimately, it will come down to your job responsibilities, the people you directly work with, and whether the company values the same things you believe in.

2. Growth and Development Opportunities

Your job may offer growth opportunities that further develop you into a larger role within the company. The company you choose plays a pivotal role in designing a customized career path, onsite mentorships, and training programs to enhance your skills and advancement opportunities. Employees who feel their career is progressing are naturally more likely to find joy.

Having new experiences through work is another factor. Your job may require travel and being able to see new cities or countries as well as allowing you to experience different foods and cultures. You will not only grow as a professional but gain unique skills by being able to understand different perspectives. Having a company that is willing to invest in your future and give you unique opportunities will bring joy to your job and enhance your life.

3. Building Relationships with Colleagues

Most individuals spend more time communicating with their colleagues than with their own family members. Learning how to communicate effectively with others as well as appreciating each other’s differences can help teammates come up with out-of-the-box ideas and solutions. Strong relationships in an organization can have a dramatic impact on the work culture within the company. It can also help you feel connected to the company and excited to come to work every day. Collaborating and brainstorming ideas to reach your company’s goals can bring shared success, creating a positive and uplifted environment. The question you should be asking yourself when evaluating your employer is whether they create opportunities or allow space for you to build those relationships with your colleagues. If they do, those are a great indication that you’ll be able to build trusting relationships with your colleagues.

4. Ignite Your Passion

When you discover what brings you the most joy and passion in your work, it brings an enormous amount of happiness and joy into your life. To discover what you are most passionate about, think about what internally drives you when you are completing a task. That discovery will help you determine what you love doing in your job. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work; it feels more like personal fulfillment. It feels like you are making a difference not only in the company through your role but also in terms of the impact your company has in the community or even the world. Those employees who combine passion with their work create a work culture that thrives. Employers that embrace feedback on what their employees love working on can position them in those types of projects. It is a snowball effect; you do what you love, exceed expectations, and spread joy throughout the company.

5. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Flexibility can come in several different ways. Some employers allow you to pick your work location (home, virtual, or in-office). Others allow you to work a different hourly schedule (traditional business hours or different hourly shifts). When you have the time and energy to pursue your interests, spend time with your family, and relax, it significantly impacts your overall job satisfaction. Working during the times in which you are most productive can be an enormous boost in your day. If your employer supports this type of flexibility by encouraging breaks, fostering a work culture that values your commitments outside of work, and offering you the option to choose a work arrangement that best suits your lifestyle, it can bring enormous amounts of joy into your life.

If you don’t feel a connection with the organization or have the ability to align the role with your life and your values, it’s not impossible to find joy, but it’s certainly harder. Going into a job interview keeping these points in mind will help you find the right JoyPowered® fit! Tap into your strengths, build relationships with your colleagues, and create a JoyPowered® work culture to obtain a career that will continue to give back to yourself and the world around you.

Cheers!