In 2014, research was conducted into the Dutch and their work. The study was given the telling title 'The Hidden Potential of the Dutch Workers'. The results were shocking. Furthermore, more than half of employees in the Netherlands have no passion for their work. Two-thirds indicate that they perform their work adequately, but that it is not their dream job. Perhaps you have experienced this too, or find yourself in this situation right now: you have found a new job and are naturally happy with it... but it is not your ideal job. Moreover, this might be your umpteenth job, and yet it still doesn't feel right... is there really no dream job for you? Keeping your job is essential in this regard.
Of course, not everyone can have *the* perfect job that they love with all their heart and soul. What we don't realize is that it is usually not so much the job itself that makes us love it. The thought behind this lies much deeper. Furthermore, someone who has a negative outlook on life will also approach their work negatively (and vice versa). Someone who loves their job loves their life. But how do you really start loving your life and your job, and how do you create balance?
Hold on to and follow your passion and keep working
Next, a cliché of course, but the hard truth nonetheless. It is simply unsustainable to be occupied day in, day out with work that barely interests you. Besides the fact that life is actually too short for that, it often causes problems in your private life as well. Furthermore, people who truly love their jobs do what they want to do and follow their passion. They do not cling to specific schedules or career paths. They live in the moment, here and now. In short, they continuously make the best of it, including at work. Even if your current job isn't the fun and challenging position you are looking for, make sure you can still pursue certain passions during and outside of work.
Not only the function is important
Of course, your position is important. But it is not the most important thing. Your job satisfaction can be made or broken by your colleagues. After all, the collaboration with (and the mood of) your colleagues determines the atmosphere in the office . And once a bad atmosphere prevails, it becomes difficult to turn it into a positive one on your own. Naturally, you don't get to choose your colleagues, so you need a bit of luck with that. Incidentally, look for people who genuinely put a smile on your face, even if it is in departments other than the one where you work. Whatever your position, it is the people around you who are decisive for your job satisfaction. Your job automatically becomes a lot more enjoyable if you have people around you you get along well with.
Your job isn't perfect
However, work occupies a large part of your life. Yet, it is rarely the case that your job will make you the happiest man or woman in the world. Partly because of having a job, you feel useful and have the sense that you are adding something to the world. Therefore, this is exactly how you should approach your job. No more and no less. It doesn't always have to be a dream job, as long as you can derive satisfaction from the results of your work, your future prospects, or the people around you. Many people, especially young people, do not yet know what the ideal job actually is in their eyes. They often know what they don't want, but not what they do want.
The prince on the white horse
An increasing number of young people who have just entered the labor market are staying home with mental health problems. This was revealed in early 2015 by research from ArboNed. According to the research we mentioned earlier, the Dutch are generally quick to become dissatisfied with their work. After all, it seems as if, just like in love, we are always searching for 'the one'. The prince on a white horse! And if we cannot find him, we become demotivated. We may therefore focus too much on the content of a job. Nevertheless, this kind of perfectionism when looking for a job means you will be disappointed very quickly. After all, your first few jobs are usually not exactly what you are looking for. In fact, by fulfilling these types of roles, you gain a clearer understanding of what you are suited for and where your passions lie. On the other hand, do not go looking for the prince on a white horse; you will meet him eventually!
Coaching
Still, would you like to brainstorm with someone to discover your passion? Or do you want insight into which type of job suits you best? With coaching , we hold up a mirror to you and work together on a better version of yourself.
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You can find more background information about keeping work at houden werk (Wikipedia).
