Workplace Environment // June 26, 2019
There’s a common notion among young working adults in regards to the supposed satisfaction that they think they will achieve successfully landing a dream job.
But the question is: can people actually find satisfaction in their dream job? Or is it only a folk tale that will leave you forever searching for unrealistic perfection?
Many people who’ve claimed that they’ve found their dream jobs confessed that they were unhappy and unsatisfied later on in their employment.
Although some may say a ‘dream job’ is just an unrealistic expectation, here are five traits for you to practice in your current work environment to turn it closer into your dream job:
1. Healthy Workplace Communication
Assess if your current workplace culture has a healthy workplace communication. If it does, keep it going and count your blessings as it’s too valuable a culture to take for granted!
However should you find yourself in a workplace with unhealthy and toxic communication, make efforts to create a safe space for open and honest communication because it will be better for everyone involved.
Leading by example could inspire others to open up. Start your practice with work-related conversations first, then move on to personal-life and creativity topics when all parties feel comfortable.
Imagine everyone in your workplace helping and encouraging self-awareness among each other instead of manipulating one another just to feed their own ego, imagine how hopeful and exciting you’ll feel getting out of bed for work every day.
2. Freedom of Self-Expression
If your workplace doesn’t provide a middle-ground in allowing employees to express themselves, you should not be disheartened to look for a workplace that encourages you to express your thoughts, opinions, and ideas freely.
If you find that to be too much of a challenge, especially in the creative industry, maybe it’s time to talk to some trusted change agents within the company and form a support system to build a positive community together.
3. Developing Your Weaknesses
Instead of only banking on your strengths, learning how to better your weaknesses would propel you to your full potential.
Want to improve your selling skills, design skills, or 3D mapping skills to support what you’re good at? Go for it! As long as you are able to build a nurturing environment with your superiors to fail better and triumph over discomfort, you’re one step closer to living your dream job!
4. Create your own dream role
What if despite all efforts have been taken but it still leave you feeling unpassionate and dreadful to show up at work?
Perhaps you can try to reflect and list down everything that you love about your job and tasks you dislike, while listing down tasks you may be passionate to fill in for or initiate.
Do your research for similar roles in the market and industry, then discuss with your boss if repackaging or recategorising your role and position in the company is possible.
This reminds us of Harry Crane from Mad Men, where he created his own passionate role to suit the needs of Sterling Cooper’s Advertising Agency as the head of Television during the 1960s. You’ll never know, that new role may just be a breakthrough for your company or the industry!
5. Be intentional with gratitude
Photo Source: Lavendaire
Not everyday is going to be a good day. But as long as you know where you want to be, there are many reasons to celebrate the little wins. Bad mouthing your colleagues will not solve anything, and will only bring people around you down to a toxic workplace environment.
Scientific studies proved that habitually and intentionally giving thanks effectively helps people sleep better, lower stress, and improve interpersonal relationships.
If you’re not feeling particularly thankful, try making it a daily practice to write down (yes pen on paper) 3 things you’re grateful for the day.
The positive attitude allows you to cultivate a satisfactory job. Besides, journalling also helps in your creative flow, so it’s a win-win for your creative career too!
