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Job satisfaction: How to make work more rewarding

Stress mounts when job satisfaction falls flat. Here's a look at the underlying causes of job dissatisfaction — and practical ways to boost job satisfaction.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Do you find yourself dreading the start of the workweek? Or wishing the workday away? Are you no longer enthusiastic about your job? In a challenging economy, you may not feel that you can "vote with your feet" and simply change jobs — but you might be able to change how you think about your job to improve your job satisfaction.

Understand the link between work approach and job satisfaction

If you've gone sour on your job, take some time to think about what motivates and inspires you — and how you approach your work. For example:

  • It's a job. If you approach work as a job, you focus primarily on the financial rewards. The nature of the work may hold little interest for you. What's important is the money. If a job with more pay comes your way, you'll likely move on.
  • It's a career. If you approach work as a career, you're likely interested in advancement. You may want to climb the career ladder as far as possible or be among the most highly regarded professionals in your field. You're motivated by the status, prestige and power that come with the job.
  • It's a calling. If you approach your job as a calling, you focus on the work itself. You're less interested in financial gain or career advancement, preferring instead to find a sense of fulfillment from the work itself.

One approach isn't necessarily better than the others, and you might find elements of all three perspectives important. Still, if you're unsatisfied with your job, it's helpful to reflect on why you work. Think about what originally drew you to your current job, and whether it may be a factor in your lack of job satisfaction.

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References
  1. Baranik LE, et al. Why does mentoring work? The role of perceived organizational support. Journal of Vocational Behavior. 2010;76:366.
  2. Park Y. The predictors of subjective career success: An empirical study of employee development in a Korean financial company. International Journal of Training and Development. 2010;14:1.
  3. Blickle G, et al. Mentoring support and power: A three year predictive field study on protege networking and career success. Journal of Vocational Behavior. 2009;74:181.
  4. Kaplan RS. Reaching your potential. Harvard Business Review. 2008;86:45.
  5. Lencioni P. The three signs. In: Lencioni P. The Three Signs of a Miserable Job: A Fable for Managers. San Francisco, Calif.: Wiley; 2007:221.
  6. Molella RG (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 13, 2010.
WL00051 Sept. 30, 2010

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