Identifying the key ingredients for 9-5 success
Many of us struggle with finding happiness at work; chasing the elusive ideal where all the
elements coexist in perfect balance, providing the balance for our lives. However, we often find
ourselves at a loss to define exactly what those elements are. I was searching for my own
happiness when Joanne Gordon’s book, Be Happy at Work: 100 Women Who Love Their Jobs, and Why jumped out at me in the career section of my local library.
Published in 2004, Be Happy at Work covers the return to career altruism that surfaced in the
post-9/11 career landscape, when people began searching for meaning in their 9-5 beyond just salary. Although many started that search long before, the 9/11 tragedy really brought home the notion that life is too short and no money can match the value of being happy with your life and
your work.
The author tells her own story which brought it home for me. Gordon explains that while working in marketing and advertising a client of hers died suddenly. Although the gentleman was very
stressed at work it would be conjecture to assume that work related stress was a factor in his
death; however, Gordon took it as her cue to go back to school and pursue her passion for
writing as a career.
While the book encapsulates the happy profiles of 100 women, their stories resonate regardless of gender and encapsulate four common denominators or the Four P’s:
Process: You’ve got to like what you do and the process of doing it. “It” can be talking to
people, crunching numbers, writing, working with your hands, driving, singing, or making the
donuts – happy workers find joy in “it”. There’s a comfort and a rhythm in the day to day tasks
that add to the happiness, without it the job loses some of its luster. For example, a manager
responsible for the tactical execution gets bumped up to the next level where they strategize
instead of execute. The happiness factor goes down as a result. Identifying those things that
make you whistle while you work is a good starting point.
Purpose: The mission, the meaning, the ultimate goal of what you do matters, too. Lately,
people want to feel good about why they do what they do. What purpose does it serve? Does it provide a service, fill a need, or make someone’s life better? Each of Gordon’s “Happy 100”
found something with a purpose they could get behind. Whether it’s providing safety instruction, making great soundtracks for the movies, teaching children how to read or feeding the hungry,
the purpose is of your work is just as important as the process… and the people.
People: Employees often spend more time at work than at home. Eight or more hours per day -- whether working in an office, in a cubicle or travelling side by side by train, plane or automobile – is a long time to spend with people you don’t like or respect. Therefore, the company you keep, no pun intended, can have profound impact on your job satisfaction. When employees get a along with their customers, coworkers and bosses the happiness quotient multiplies.
Proactive: Whether you’re evaluating a job offer or just taking stock of your current situation,
keep process, purpose and people in mind. Then the final step is being proactive in creating
your own happiness at work. Do your homework; figure out what you want, what works and
what doesn’t. Talk to your boss; seek out a career coach, or a mentor. Start investigating other
companies, jobs, industries that have the right balance – then advisedly make your move.
Keep these four P’s in mind as you take control of your job situation or career. Knowing what
makes you happy is a great place to start.
