The Importance of Work Happiness

‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ [Confucius]

Confucius was a wise man. Most of us will work for one-third of our lives. Therefore, it is vital that we enjoy what we are doing. What individuals needed to be happy at work in the 1980s will be significantly different from what the workforce will need in 2030.

Each generation will push the world of work in a different direction with different needs and requirements. One significant need that has been highlighted is the need to ensure that my work and life are aligned and not in conflict with each other. This is becoming one of the most important factors and will be a big deciding factor for potential job seekers.

Autonomy, freedom and flexibility are currently a focus, this is displayed by the current increase in digital nomads. The ability to work anywhere at any time. People switch jobs more often in an effort to find a more fulfilling job or environment, as they develop their own skills and become more aware of their needs.

The question of how is my work positively contributes to my life and others are becoming top of mind and will become a deciding factor in the future.

Despite the environment changing, the need for happiness in your career will always remain. We should recognise that each individual will have their own unique ‘criteria’ that will contribute to their level of job satisfaction. We should therefore possibly question – what it takes to be happy at work and what are the benefits.

Feeling of fulfilment

• When we use all our talents and skills, we feel that we are living up to our potential and this will ensure that our work contributes positively to our well-being. As a result, we feel an increased level of contentment with what we are spending our time and energy on.

Increased productivity

• When we feel connected to what we are more inclined to consistently perform.
• “If you are passionate about your job, you are likely to take an active interest in learning every aspect of the business,” said Patrice Rice, CEO and founder of Patrice & Associates. “This not only sets you on the path toward success, but it also helps you get through the daily grind.”

You’ll inspire others

• For a long time, when young individuals had to choose their career (maybe even you?) The focus would be on ’how much money will you make’ and ‘how secure is that job’. However, when we do what we love, the chances of success are significantly higher, and as a result, we will inspire others to go after what they want in life, and not just accept the status quo or the safest option. But rather pursue the option that truly excites and appeals to them.

You’ll succeed

• When we truly connect with what we do, we will be persistent. We will always face difficulties and need to make sacrifices as we walk our career journey. However, when we have passion for what we do, these are seen as opportunities or at the very least, temporary discomfort. As a result, we will show some grit and pursue during more challenging times, and ultimately, we will achieve what we set out to achieve.

Grab a notebook, and let your mind go as you ponder over the below questions…

• Think about your own life and potentially how well you would rate your happiness within your own career?
• What is positively impacting your happiness?
• What is negatively impacting your happiness?
• Can you identify specific moments/decisions that shaped your career to this point?
• What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?