10 Ways to Be Happier In Your Career

Success at work can be defined in many ways. Ultimately. though, being happy should always be deemed the most significant goal by far. After all, you spend far too much of your life at work to feel unsatisfied. 

Besides, a happy career is one of the cornerstones of a better quality of life. So, what steps can be taken to achieve immediate and long-term satisfaction at work? Here’s all you need to know.

#1. Choose The Right Industry 

The average person changes jobs around seven times during the course of their career.  While it’s likely that you will take on several roles over the years to come, life becomes a lot easier when you select the right industry. 

For starters, working in the right sector is likely to make you remain happy for longer. Secondly, though, your growing knowledge of the industry will provide you with transferable skills. The following questions should help you determine whether the industry is right for you;

• Is it an industry where you feel passion?
• Does it offer stability?
• Are there opportunities for long-term success?
• Will you have a chance to earn the kind of money you deserve?
• Do you have the skills to start a career in this field?

Some people will find that they are already in the right industry. However, if you have aspirations of working in a particular sector, now is the time to make it happen. 

#2. Set Suitable Goals

In addition to finding the right industry, you need to discover the right path. After all, your career is a personal journey. Only you can judge whether your achievements are deemed a success or not. 

Learning how to set goals with short-term and long-term ambitions in mind should be a priority. Because it is almost impossible to complete the right journey if you do not first set your sights on the destination. It’s important to set specific and measurable targets to keep you motivated. Good examples include;

• Start a business of your own,
• Achieve a promotion this year,
• Help X number of patients or customers,
• Turn ideas into real products or features,
• Win a specific award or accolade,

The SMART method is a popular solution to remember. Make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.

#3. Work On Your Communication Skills

Communication sits at the heart of all business success. Not only will it be the driving force to get more done, but it also gives you clarity. Whether it’s learning to get through Zoom meetings with confidence or handle consumer interactions doesn’t matter. Self-development in this area is vital.

When you develop good communication skills, you will also be better equipped for senior roles. Likewise, you should find that efficiency levels improve at a steady pace. Some of the key aspects to focus on include;

• Written communication skills,
• Communication through tech devices,
• Verbal communication with people from all classes and backgrounds,
• Listening skills,
• Leadership and motivation.

Become a better communicator, and it’ll give you a tighter grip on your entire career. Besides, human interactions are the key to happiness. Do not forget it.

#4. Think About Your Work-Life Balance

A successful career is one thing, but a successful career that integrates with a happy life in general is another. Being happy at work counts for very little if it leaves you feeling unhappy in the other aspects of your life.

So, you need to ensure that a positive work-life balance is achieved. For healthcare workers, travel nursing jobs enable you to progress your career while exploring the world. This can be a great way to live the life you want. Other issues to consider when looking at the work-life balance include;

• Whether the commuting aspects are likely to harm leisure aspects,
• Whether the shift patterns fit in with parenting or other responsibilities, 
• If the job enables you to still maintain relationships and hobbies,
• If it is possible for you to compartmentalize your life,
• Whether the job is too much for your mental and physical wellness.

When you love your work and feel able to love your life, success is assured. Avoid the trap of living to work and you should be fine.

#5. Make The Most Of Perks

There’s nothing quite like the knowledge that you are getting the most out of your jobs. While a good salary and a suitable job role are the central features, you must not ignore outside factors. Seemingly small additions can make all the difference.

Staff perks can take many forms. While it might not be the most exciting feature, getting matched with your pension contributions should rank highly. While you won’t see the benefits right away, it is a move that essentially gives you free money once you reach retirement age. Other items to look for include;

• Gym memberships,
• Company vehicles,
• Work laptops or tech devices,
• Work from home schemes,
• Tax deductibles.

The situation will vary greatly from one worker and industry to the next. Research what’s on offer from your employer and use it.

#6. Stand Up For Yourself

Your happiness in the workplace and overall career thoughts aren’t only influenced by you. Coworkers, team leaders, and the people who surround you can have an equally huge role. If you face any problems caused by others, it’s crucial that you learn to combat the issue at the earliest possible moment.

One of the most common issues is to stand up to workplace bullying. Making employees aware of the situation is the best way to achieve this by far. A variety of other problems may surface, though, such as;

• Workers trying to take credit for your work to gain rewards,
• Team leaders trying to make you do more than you’re paid for,
• Clients requesting more than was specified in the agreement,
• Colleagues making false accusations,
• Getting underpaid.

In the last of those issues, use online tools to find out your worth. Then speak to your boss about a raise. If no opportunities exist, it may be a signal to look elsewhere.

#7. Don’t Be Afraid To Crave Autonomy

Your boss hired you due to your skills and expertise. So, it would be a huge shame if they were to stifle your creativity and ability by not allowing you to show your talent. Sadly, you may find that it’s necessary for you to take the initiative. With a little persuasion, employers can see the benefits of autonomy and responsibility.

Explain to your boss that your expertise in the field is key to handling their blind spots in business. Aside from delivering better results for the company, it can keep you engaged and motivated. Added responsibilities may include;

• You making suggestions about what software is needed,
• Allowing you to run your expenses account, 
• Setting your own tasks to meet the overall goal or deadline,
• Managing members of your team with autonomy,
• Running your own schedule.

Employers and bosses know what’s needed for the company. But that doesn't mean you aren’t better suited to develop the right strategies.

#8. Find Ways To Support Worthy Causes 

Your career is a significant ingredient in the recipe of who you are. Therefore, any opportunity to ensure your job allows you to be a better person should be grabbed. Working in healthcare, renewables, and other industries that make a difference is a good starting point. But you can do more.

Supporting worthy causes and the things that you feel passionate about will boost your love of the job. Likewise, it supports the steps that have been taken in your personal life, some examples may include;

• Suggesting a cycle to work scheme to reduce carbon footprints,
• Fundraising for a charity,
• Supporting corporate social responsibility schemes,
• Boosting awareness of a cause,
• Using greener tech and making habitual upgrades.

There are plenty of studies to show that people want to work with brands that care. So, your bosses can know that they’ll see benefits too.



Pixabay CC0 License

#9. Invest In Yourself

While the above tip shows that happiness isn’t just about you, there is no reason to ignore your needs. Human nature dictates that we want to improve and be the best we can be. Not least in our careers.

Investing in yourself is crucial for your ongoing happiness. Self-development that starts with your looks will boost career prospects as well as personal lives. There are plenty of additional ways to focus on self-development to bring emotional and financial rewards. Some ideas to consider are;

• Taking courses to develop key business skills,
• Developing a deeper understanding of new software pieces,
• Utilizing your talent to earn money through teaching or content creation,
• Developing self-confidence,
• Upgrading your personal portfolio or resume.

All of the above steps can unlock new opportunities. Crucially, they will leave you feeling prouder and happier.

#10. Stop Comparing Yourself To Others

Last but not least, you must lose the habit of comparing yourself to others. Whether it’s colleagues, friends, or people on social media doesn’t matter. The reality is that you will always see the good in them and the worst in you. Focus solely on controlling the controllable and you should notice a huge impact.

A winning mindset is truly the greatest asset of all.

​