The Myth of Job Satisfaction

Let me ask an interesting question. We all talk about job satisfaction all the time but can a job really satisfy anyone? Is it the job which satisfies us or is it we who satisfy ourselves by doing the job? If it is the latter case, then why do we bother so much about whether we get job satisfaction or not? It’s up to us to make whatever job we are doing interesting, instead of lamenting that the job is not giving us satisfaction.

Have you ever wondered what does a fruit seller or a street sweeper think about their jobs? Probably nothing better than what many of us think of our own jobs even if we earn a lot more than the fruit seller or the street sweeper. Why is it so? It is because we keep expecting the job to satisfy us, which, never really happens.

Once, a person went to a bank in search of a job. There was no job in the bank. But the man was adamant and wanted a job. The bank authorities were irritated and told the man that there is a vacancy for a sweeper in the bank. They thought that this would be enough to drive away the man. But on the contrary the man accepted the job!

He went to the washroom and saw that the cleaning was not done properly. So he decided to do his job seriously and cleaned the place with all dedication and seriousness. The result was that for the first time the washroom was absolutely neat and clean. People from the higher management observed this and wanted to know who this new sweeper was.

When they came to know that the man had come to get a job and had accepted the job of a sweeper they were surprised and realized that they should make use of the talent available. So the man was given the job of an accountant. He did that job also with all dedication and seriousness. Many years later the same man became the general manager of the same bank.

So does this mean that you should not have your own preferences and should be happy with whatever you get? No, I do not mean that. When it comes to work everyone has their preferences. Even I have my own preference and I have tried my best to get my dream job. And so, by all means, go after your dream job and don’t settle for anything less than that.

But if, unfortunately you land up with anything lesser, do not regret that the job is not satisfying. Instead, put your heart and soul into the job and you will realize that the road to your dream job becomes much easier to travel. Maybe it is a little simplistic way of seeing things but it will save you a lot of headache and heartburn. First, have the courage to get the best, but if you can’t (because life doesn’t always dance to your tunes), also have the wisdom to make the best out of whatever you have got.

John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what the country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” I say, “Ask not what the job can do for you – ask what you can do your job”. This way of thinking makes life, a little simpler and less treacherous. So, have you done anything for your job, or just complained?