SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JOB MARKET : THE DRIVING FORCES : Finding Your Key to Happiness
A key challenge for employees is to find meaning and satisfaction in the workplace, even when the dollars and the promotions are not available. Our own research suggests that true satisfaction results when a worker’s skills, interests and values fit the demands of the job.
We’d like to provide an opportunity for you to begin looking at what you truly value, and to begin considering how to put as much of it as possible into your working life. Finding satisfaction at work can contribute to your long-term happiness, and even your health.
The following quiz is designed as a quick, fun way to set workers on the path to job satisfaction.
DIRECTIONS: Read each statement and rank the choices that best complete it for you. In the boxes to the left, place a 4, 3, 2 or 1, with a 4 for the choice that is most right for you and a 1 for the choice that is least right. Each choice must be ranked either 4, 3, 2 or 1.
1. When I go to work, I look forward to. . . A. having new challenges. B. enjoying the company of my co-workers. C. planning my own day. D. a relaxed, routine day.
2. When I have a new project to work on, I’m excited if. . . A. I will learn new things. B. I will get to work with new people. C. I will be in control. D. it will be easy and low stress.
3. If I were to win the lottery, one thing that might keep me from quitting my job would be. . . A. the excitement of competition. B. missing my friends and buddies at work. C. having work goals to keep me motivated. D. not knowing what to do with my time.
4. In my ideal job I would. . . A. have opportunities to be creative. B. help society. C. start my own business. D. never work more than eight hours a day.
5. Looking back, I felt the most satisfied in my work when. . . A. I was involved in exciting projects. B. I was helping others. C. I was totally independent. D. I didn’t take it home with me.
6. If I could change one thing about my job, I would want to. . . A. take more risks. B. work alone less. C. choose my own work projects. D. work at home more often.
7. Work is fun when. . . A. I get to experiment with new ideas. B. the people I work with have a sense of humor. C. I’m involved with community projects. D. there are games, picnics and activities after work hours.
8. I work best when. . . A. my curiosity and energy are high. B. I’m working with a team. C. I’m working primarily alone. D. there’s no time pressure.
9. When people ask me what I do, I’d like to say. . . A. “the job is always changing.” B. “I make a difference in people’s lives.” C. “I have all the time freedom I want.” D. “I don’t define myself by my job.”
10. If I can’t get a raise, I would like. . . A. to be well respected. B. to have a boss I like and respect. C. to choose my work location. D. job security.
11. Success to me means. . . A. always pursuing excellence. B. working closely with friends. C. being the master of my future. D. being content with my work.
12. I feel rich in my work when others say. . . A. “you should feel proud of your accomplishments.” B. “you’re really a great person to work with.” C. “I admire your independence and self-confidence.” D. “you are a reliable and trusted employee.”
QUIZ SCORING DIRECTIONS:
Add up all your scores for the A choices, Bs, Cs and Ds. Which category did you score highest in?
Total A: A high score suggests you are goal oriented. Seek out opportunities to work on stimulating projects that lead to clear-cut results and a sense of accomplishment.
Total B: A high score suggests you are people oriented. Look for ways to increase interpersonal contacts at work and to participate in task forces and project groups.
Total C: A high score suggests you are a self-starter. Find situations in which self-motivation is rewarded--ideally with even more freedom and independence.
Total D: A high score suggests you seek balance in your life and prefer an orderly work routine. Look for ways to enrich your life outside work, while also maintaining job security.
About the authors:
Beverly Bernstein is a Los Angeles management consultant, specializing in career development, and creativity and innovation in the workplace. Beverly Kaye, of Sherman Oaks, is a nationally known career consultant and the author of two books on career development. The authors have developed a more in-depth, serious analysis of values: “Invest in Your Values: a Self-Assessment Instrument.” For information, call (213) 474-0959.
