Consider This Before Accepting the Job

Congratulations–you’ve received a job offer!  While the compensation and benefits packages are probably the first things you’ll look at, consider the other benefits of the job as well; namely, how much happiness will your job bring you?

Why does it matter and how can you figure it out? Check out “The Guide to Finding Workplace Happiness” from Rasmussen College.

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Whether you are trying to land your first job or thinking about making a major career change, you might be tempted to accept the highest-paid job offer without thinking twice. But is a high paycheck really enough to bring complete job satisfaction? Many of the happiest working professionals say that money isn’t everything.

For instance, administrative assistants, who make an average of $29,050 (Bureau of Labor Statistics) were ranked among the top-ten happiest professionals in America, according to a CareerBliss study based on 200,000 independent company reviews. Many administrative assistants said—rather than salary—they were happy particularly because of their day-to-day tasks and the people that they work with.

So before you make your next big career move, think about whether or not your time and dedication is really fulfilling? Consider the following top 10 factors that directly contribute to workplace happiness, according to CareerBliss experts:

1. The Person You Work For

Your relationship with your boss has a direct relationship on your happiness; plus it directly effects how well you can maneuver your career in the direction you want. With a great relationship, you can much more easily communicate to your boss about your progress as well as your future career goals—not to mention maintain a great reference. The person you work for is instrumental in achieving your long-term goals.

2. The People You Work With

Coworkers have a direct impact on team-oriented projects. If you have coworkers with whom you enjoy collaborating with, chances are you will have a greater opportunity to improve your teambuilding and leadership skills. Also, a positive relationship with your coworkers makes for a much more pleasant day-to-day work environment.

3. Where You Work

Do you enjoy close-quarters? Do you prefer a large office-setting or would you rather work outdoors? The quality and appeal of the building or setting in which you work plays a role in your overall workplace happiness. After all, it’s the place where you will be spending the majority of each day.

4. The Support You Get

Sometimes it can be frustrating to be required to perform at your maximum potential without adequate resources or support. Some companies make it a priority to provide the tools, resources, and technology to empower employees. Support like tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunity are great examples of employee support from organizations.

5. The Rewards You Receive

Overall compensation—including benefits and salary—is an obvious essential for job satisfaction. As a professional, you should know your worth and ensure that you are compensated fairly for the skills and experience that you regularly contribute.

6. The Growth Opportunities Available To You

There’s not a whole lot worse than working your tail off for a company that may never offer professional advancement. One important step to healthier job satisfaction is to create long-term personal career goals.

7. The Culture of Your Company

One of the major factors employers consider during the initial interview is whether or not you would mesh well with the company culture. That’s why it’s important for you to be honest with your employer about the type of person you are from day one. If you like structure and a serious work environment, you might be unhappy working in a more laid-back workplace environment.

8. The Work You Do

The specific tasks and responsibilities that you have determine how you get up in the morning. Are you eager and looking forward to your day’s challenges? Or do you wake up sluggish, knowing that you will have to deal with tasks you hate? It’s important that you enjoy the work that you do on a day-to-day basis simply because you will be doing those tasks so often.

9. The Way You Work

You should be happy with not only your day-to-day responsibilities but also the amount of control you have in getting your job done. If you are a self-starter, you will be much happier at a free-lance type of job where you are given limited directions. Other professionals thrive on structure and constant feedback. If you have a position that conflicts with your preference in the way you work, you may be limiting your potential.

10. The Company You Work For

Some people find happiness in working for a company with a strong reputation and vision. If you strongly believe in a company’s overall mission, you might find greater satisfaction in maintaining a role at the company. Whether you prefer a long-standing company or a new start-up, the company you work for will directly influence your happiness.

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