If your commute to work is the high point of your work day, you are probably in the wrong job. Unless you have a very very interesting carpool, getting to work should not be better than doing the work.
A survey released yesterday found that most people enjoyed their commute more than their job. Only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their work. This is the lowest level ever recorded by the Conference Board Research Group (http://www.conference-board.org/Publications/sponsoredresearch.cfm). A part of this is due to the recession, which is making work tougher on most people. But worker satisfaction has been on the decline for more than two decades.
A blog is no place to suggest easy fixes or glib maxims about something as complicated as work satisfaction. There is real pain behind these numbers. Anyone who has ever had a job that was not right for them (and most of us have) know that it is soul wrenching to show up day after day when we are burned out or bored or in over our heads.
But how about this for a first step: Self reflection. Stopping long enough to think about what is really important; reflecting on our values; what matters and what kind of work environment we do best in. Perhaps knowing ourselves better is the first step in finding work satisfaction.
Many years ago Augustine wrote:
People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass themselves by without wondering.
A.D. 354-430, Confessions
Lumunos helps people do this kind of reflection. Coaches, therapists and spiritual leaders can too. Sometimes we need look no further than a good friend or family member.
There are no easy paths to the perfect job. I’m not even sure there are perfect jobs. I do believe that knowing ourselves better is a critical part of finding meaningful work.
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