Obtain maximum contentment from your work

Job-contentment is a relative term and hence different people describe it differently. However, the most widespread meaning of it is the degree of satisfaction that one derives from his or her work as also everything that is associated with it. There are many different facets related the responses - on the emotional and mental planes - that you may have towards your job; and they are significant contributory factors for deriving job satisfaction. 

Job dissatisfaction is something that impacts every working individual, irrespective of his or her age, status and gender. That some people may derive greater dissatisfaction notwithstanding, the strength of discontented lot in the world has been registering an increase in recent years. Evidently, this ought to be a point of worry and hence, we need to identify ways and means to prevent job dissatisfaction from setting in. 

First and foremost, you need to understand that job satisfaction is of different categories – innate, acquired and comprehensive. Innate job satisfaction is of intrinsic nature and sets in when employees think through only the kind of work they perform and different tasks that collectively constitute their work. Acquired job satisfaction is of extrinsic nature and is visible when employees cogitate over their various working conditions like workplace environment, pay and allowances, colleagues and even bosses. A mishmash of innate and acquired job satisfaction is what is known as comprehensive job dissatisfaction and since it has several contributory factions, its very intensity can be rather strong. The dissimilarity between innate and acquired job satisfaction leads to viewing jobs from different perspectives. If the dissatisfaction is stems from the kind of work being done, the solution per se will have to different vis-à-vis one generated by the conditions of work. 

You need to understand that the degree of your satisfaction is just a state of your mind and which is impacted by the level at which your aspirations are pitched. In the light of the foregoing, your job contentment will invariably be dependent on what and how you you view in your job. But the primary sure will always be devising ways and means to increase it. Some time-tested means to do that are:

• Harbour practical work aspirations:  Comprehensive job satisfaction is actually a compromise or a type of adjustment. There is no job that can offer you full satisfaction or nil dissatisfaction. Even the best of jobs will have some element of dissatisfaction. And given the intense competition that exists today and the fact that the number of people out to get jobs far exceeding the openings available, no management can be expected to administer your dissatisfaction. It is you and you alone who has to take necessary steps in this regard.
• Identify jobs that match your expectations: Get to know about jobs that converge with your aspirations: You need to know details about different careers and professions so that you can identify which gels with your outlook and personality. Today, there are several tools and tests available to do that.
• Work hard towards self-discovery: You should know what matters to you and what is not of much significance. It is necessary that you identify assignments that appeal to you; and be absolutely unambiguous about your expectations from your work. It is always better to jot them down in a diary so that you are able to discern precisely your requirements while selecting a job or career.
• Have a different outlook towards your work: You should have a positiver outlook towards the nature of your work and what it offers you, to include salary, working environment, colleagues, seniors and other allied factors. If it is the type of work that is prompting dissatisfaction, perhaps going in for a career change will not be out of order. But if the working conditions are making you feel disheartened, discussing them with your boss could be of great help. If things still do not get resolved, may be a job change will help. 
• Never allow dissatisfaction to persist for long: Dissatisfaction of any type should be allowed to persist. Your very outlook and interest towards your work is gauged by the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction that you possess. If job dissatisfaction persists for long, the result could be disastrous; you could be taken ill and even lose your job. Workplace issues invariably arise because of discontent since mental states of people prompt unusual behaviour. Therefore, it is inescapable to find an answer to the vexed problem of job dissatisfaction at the earliest.
• Introspect to gauge headway made by you: When you view all your advancements, a sense of accomplishment will be there. Such a feeling will motivate you to take dissatisfactions in the correct spirit because of brighter days that lie ahead.
• Have a re-look at the values you stand for: Your principles and standards constitute your values and it is you who can determine what matter most to you. An honest response to the subject needs to be found by introspection; the question that you need to put to yourself is, “How important is my job and career to me?” Once you can come out with a candid answer, you can then have an appropriate outlook of your job contentment or discontentment. 
• Seek assistance from a guru: A professional help will give you an unbiased and unprejudiced opinion. You will thus receive independent recommendations and suggestions that will help you in overcoming any dissatisfaction that you may be having or likely to have.

It is inescapable for you to learn at being contented with whatever you have achieved as you move along in your career journey, chasing your dreams. Remember that the secret of success lies in enjoying your work. All pleasures are pleasurable and therefore, you must strive to make your work a pleasure too.