Three Things I Have Found Make Me Enjoy a Job — and Two I Thought Mattered

Nearly 2/3 of people are looking for a new role. If you’re one of them, here is what I found makes me the happiest in any role I’ve held.

Matters: You work with a supportive and collaborative team.

More than anything else, the people you work with for 1/2 of your waking life matter. Mutual respect, collaboration and partnership mean more than the actual work you do.

Doesn’t: Salary (past a certain point).

When I started in education, my wife made even less than I did, and we had a lot of debt. Salary absolutely mattered at that point. I still have far more debt than I’d like, but I can make ends meet. If I became unhappy, I would take less to be in a role that made me happy.

Matters: Work/life balance.

I work to live, I don’t live to work. The former CEO of Mastercard, Ajay Banga, used to say that it’s the quality of the work that matters, not the quantity. I’m no good to anyone if I’m burned out — and I have kids and an aging mom that depend on me.

Doesn’t: Perks in the workplace.

I’ve worked in places with pool tables, game rooms, free beer, catered lunches, and more. They had a certain interest for a period of time — but if the culture lacks any of the three things that matter on this list, they lose their novelty very quickly. (Question to ask yourself when touring one of these places: are people using these things when you are there? It matters!)

Matters: Culture from the top down.

What does the CEO say about people? Do company objectives include ensuring a great place to work? How does it funnel to people leaders — are they held accountable if they overwork people or treat them poorly? These are essential questions to ask and seek.

Twenty-year-old Stan would have laughed at this list. Perspective changes over time. I’ve been in some great places that had the things that mattered and left because I chased things that don’t.

What things matter most to you?

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