4 Ways to Like Your Job More

According to findings from the Pew Research Center (2016), American workers could benefit from feeling more satisfied with their jobs. The extensive report highlights some findings that are not surprising, including that those who earn higher incomes of $75,000 or more report being very satisfied (59 percent), while those earning less than $30,000 report being less satisfied (39 percent). Given the impact one's satisfaction at work can have on one's mental health, it is important to consider which factors contribute to a feeling of satisfaction with one’s job. Once identified, it is in one’s best interest to practice new behaviors in service to the overall goal of liking one’s job more. Consider the following suggestions and practice them on a consistent basis to determine whether the outcome of these behaviors leads you to feel more satisfied.

Ask yourself whether you may feel more satisfied in a management position.

The Pew report found that certain types of employees report greater satisfaction with their job, highlighting that managers are especially likely to report feeling very satisfied (62 percent). Anyone who has worked under the supervision of a bad manager understands immediately some benefits working as a manager may provide: having more authority in decision-making, being able to delegate tasks, and a lesser likelihood of being micromanaged. If you believe you have the necessary skills to be a manager, make every effort to do what is necessary to obtain a position in management.

This would require proving yourself to be reliable and effective in any position that you have and also presenting social skills and the type of psychological flexibility required when managing different personality types. If you believe a management position would serve you well and that you have the necessary skills, talk with your managers, express your interest, and set up alerts for any new management postings for your current employer and outside employers. The mere practice of interviewing for management positions can help set you up for a more effective interview that ultimately results in an offered position.

Invest in social connections at work.

Research overwhelmingly suggests that people who have friends at work are more likely to like their job. While many individuals simply view their job as a means to pay the bills, it behooves every employee to conceptualize their job from an additional perspective: a social bank account. According to a major survey (Workforce, 2014), employees who report having many friends at work feel significantly more connected to their companies and are almost three times more likely to report that they love working there.

The widely popular book by Dale Carnegie on social relationships, How to Win Friends and Influence People (2009), expands on this suggestion with a specific recommended behavior. Carnegie suggests that asking co-workers harmless questions about themselves and their interests can foster more meaningful relationships. Applying this suggestion to your own work experience, ask your fellow employees about their outside interests, fun weekend activities, or hobbies. Ask them questions about the types of foods, books, or television shows they like, but avoid any questions that are overly personal. The ultimate point about platonic relationships at work is that building these connections can have a direct impact on how satisfied you feel with your job.

Aspire to have pride in your job, regardless of what job you have.

According to the Pew report, about half of employed Americans say they get a sense of identity from their job, while about 47 percent say their job is simply a means to earn a living. In order to feel more satisfied and purposeful in your job, make an effort to improve your skills in your job, regardless of what job you have, and remind yourself that you should feel proud of the action you are taking. Taking a course outside of work or earning an additional certification for your work not only shows your company how conscientious you are but also makes you feel more purposeful and committed, in turn reinforcing your sense of empowerment and self-control.

Try to make your co-workers happy, which has multiple positive effects.

Titova and Sheldon (2021) found that people experience a happier mood (a mood “boost”) by attempting to make other people happy. This finding is well established in the literature and supports the popular expression recited in everyday life, “The best way to help yourself is to help somebody else.” Based on the research, it is worth modifying the expression in the following way: “The best way to help yourself at work is to help somebody else.” You can practice helpful behaviors with co-workers by bringing them something to eat, giving them a card and sharing what you appreciate about them, or offering to take over a small task for them during the workday. By being helpful, you improve your mood and simultaneously strengthen a working relationship, which can make you like your job a little more overall.

The takeaway message

Liking your job more is possible if you practice certain behaviors. If you focus on how to improve your job skills, working relationships, and overall mood, you can ultimately feel more satisfied with your job.