does your career make you happy?

The thing about "happiness" is that we tend to spend our whole lives pursuing it, not realizing that we are actually quite happy already! It's like being in a hurry to get somewhere while on vacation, rather than enjoying the trip to get there.

Lots of components go into being happy at work:

1. liking what you are doing
2. feeling appreciated (I had customers who appreciated me, although mgt. did not)
3. being paid what I felt I was worth
4. being paid enough to pay the bills and a little extra
5. feeling fulfilled - I like to have challenges of some sort, rather than mundane tasks
6. attitude of your coworkers
7. work/life balance
8. fairness
9. opportunities for advancement

Finding one job that provides all of this is not easy! So, if a job is pretty good, but lacking in one or two areas, you may look towards your leisure time to fill the gap. Things you can do to make up for inadequacies in a job:

1. go to school
2. volunteer - coach, etc
3. take up a hobby
4. have a second job
5. start your own business - anything - lawn care, flea markets, etc.
6. join a club, exercise group, etc

Hope this helps!

Absolutely.

It is essential to do something you are passionate about. With that being said though, the beginning of one's career can usually begin in industries that you may not feel too crazy about.

Don't be discouraged though. Fight through the first years in the workforce and I promise you will find what suits you best!

Always come to work with a positive attitude, and you'll get the most out of your job!

Hi, Lexi!

I think we can break this question down a little more. I think you're asking if people are "fulfilled" by what they do. While someone may like what they do they may not feel "fulfilled".

This will vary from person to person because different things motivate different people. For example you can be talented at accounting while liking what you do and making a lot of money but if your heart is saying "I like to help people" or "I like to act or sing" you may not feel fulfilled.

Keep in mind, many people have different careers at different stages in life or even simultaneously. Your career will change based on your needs and interests as you grow.

My advice is find a career (or several) that speaks to your talents. This will finance your lifestyle as you pursue different activities and projects that will CONTRIBUTE TO your happiness and fulfillment.

Yes, i love being a sales person and i love work with people

I find great satisfaction in helping other employees develop personally and professionally. People, generally, want to grow and develop in their careers and I have the opportunity to help them do that by providing training. Ultimately, happiness will come from understanding your values and then finding a company and work that aligns with those values.

A great exercise for determining your own values is to ask yourself - "what qualities do I admire in others?"

Also, I would encourage you to embrace a philosophy in life that work is not something that is merely a necessary evil. Rather, work is a privilege and opportunity to solve problems that can improve the lives of others.

Finding the right major is a difficult choice to make. But, you won't know till you get in there and try. Most schools let you change your majors.

I would start looking at job boards, and see what's out there, and the requirements. If any of these fields interest you. You can also find a list of best companies to work for. You can research further on what these companies are looking for and then see if there's a match with what you like and are good at.

Everyone wonders about it, but take the dive and make informed decisions.