Over the past three months, I have been adjusting to my new job. While I am still happy that I took the job, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind as I learn the ropes. My position that I took was replacing someone who had left three months prior. This is just a way of saying that there was no training manual. I came into the job and had no formal training. I was given a few files and documents, but not much beyond that. I’ve had to pick up on the tasks that are my responsibility all on my own. In some ways it’s been frustrating, but in others, it’s been exciting. This transition period has provided me the context from which to reflect upon the qualities of a good job.
Top Qualities of a Good Job
Clear Definition of Roles
As you can probably expect, one of the most obvious quality of a great job that has become clear to me over the past few months is a clear definition of roles. As I started my new position, this was severely lacking. One of the best ways to keep great relationships with your colleagues is to have a clear understanding who is responsible for what. The last thing you want is to have someone else ask you to do their job for them.
Flexible Work Schedule
One of the things that I hated most about my old job was having to be there from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. I was responsible for direct client service, so if I wasn’t there, it meant I wasn’t fulfilling my job. It was that simple. This meant that real life situations like a dentist appointment or servicing my car were that much more complicated than they needed to be. My new job is the extreme opposite and I couldn’t be happier. Not only can I work flexible hours, but I can choose to work from home if I want to. If you’re currently working a 9 to 5 job and have never worked one that is flexible, you should! It’s that simple.
Retirement Benefits
Another feature of a great job is one with great retirement benefits. I had to give up retirement benefits when I took this job, but there is a hope of my employer creating a retirement plan soon. While I don’t regret taking this job, I do realize the benefits of a 401(k) or 403(b) plan. Not only is it extra income, but it’s tax free income (for now).
Satisfaction / Enjoyment
The last major item that stands out to me is the satisfaction of the job. While some people think that income is the most important factor in a job, I’m convinced that enjoying the work that you do is ten times more important. While a six or seven figure income may sounds great on paper, you can’t buy happiness with money.
While my new job is far from perfect (like all jobs, I suspect), I have come to realize that there are more important things than the salary. If you are looking to switch jobs in the near future, make sure that you list out what is important to you before searching for the best job.
What aspects of a job are important to you?
This post was written by Corey, a staff writer from 20s Finances.
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Great post, Corey. I would put the “aligns with your passion” at the absolute tops of the list. I have learned that no salary or benefit could do it for me without that. Thanks for this!
Thanks Tony. Yeah, you’re probably right. Money is far from being everything.
Thanks Tony. Yeah, you’re probably right. Money is far from being everything.
The people I work with, stress and hours are all big deals to me, in addition to all of the normal stuff like salary and benefits. I finally found a job with a good mix and am extremely lucky I got it.
Lance@MoneyLife&More recently posted..How Disability Insurance Helped Us
Stress is definitely an important aspect, but too little stress can indicate a very boring job. Trust me, I know.
20′s Finances recently posted..How to Make Lots of Money by Losing Your Password
All good points! I would add the reputation of the company. It was important for me to have a marquis name on my resume. For the last 12 years, I have been a teacher so this is no longer important to me. If I were working in industry, I would want to work for Apple, Google or the like. The best in their industry. You learn much more and you are challenged much more in a company like that. A resume is supposed to reflect your best work. Prt of your accomplishments is getting a job at the best within your industry.
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Thanks a great point Krantcents.
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One aspect that is important to me a is flexible schedule. I hate having to stay at work until “quitting time” just because. Unfortunately, not many companies (at least that I have found) are very flexible. But that might be because of the industry I am in.
Jon @ MoneySmartGuides recently posted..Why Hire a Financial Planner
Yeah, I know the feeling. It’s so nice to be able to leave at a good stopping point in the day (within reason of course) and then make up the time at another time.
20′s Finances recently posted..How to Make Lots of Money by Losing Your Password
“Clear definition of the role” is something I’m not sure I’ve ever had. It seems like all my roles are always changing. I think this is a smart thing to look for in a quality job since it alleviates some of the stress of not knowing what you’re supposed to be working on.
Satisfaction is an important one for me. I think when I start leaving work unsatisfied more often than I am satisfied, it’s time to questions my employment decisions.
Alex recently posted..Quote of the Day: Motivation from Charles Dickens
I am honestly hoping that the standard 9-5 job is dead and gone by 2020! With telecommuting and technological advancements there’s absolutely no reason why the standard workday should be 9-5. In my entire career as an employee (non executive) I can tell you I’ve NEVER worked constantly for 8 hours straight.
Brick By Brick Investing | Marvin recently posted..How To Invest In TSP
That sounds awesome. Yeah, many other cultures have large breaks in the day.
20′s Finances recently posted..How to Make Lots of Money by Losing Your Password
Driving distance and the people I will be working with plays a big deal. I hate driving and if the co-workers aren’t good people (or good in their work) then why even deal with it.
Caesar F recently posted..Tax Refund Time
These are point on! Great list!
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[...] from Life and My Finances gives us a great list of qualities of a good job. <—-This may have you thinking about what you are [...]
These are very good points. Everyone wants to have a good job that will make us not just productive, but also happy while at work. Some are just lucky enough to get those kinds of job.
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Free insurance is nice, too. Good job leads to satisfaction which you can’t really put a price on.