Getting a job you love benefits more than just your bank balance

According to the experts, loving your work helps your health and well being too. One of the country’s leading work-place psychologist’s Cary Cooper says happiness at work motivates people more than money.

“If you love your job, you have a good work life balance and you’re trusted and valued by your boss, you’ll do ten times better than if you double your salary,” says Professor Cooper

What drives most of us is having a stimulating job, good relations with work colleagues and feeling valued and trusted by our boss.”

Aberdeen psychiatrist, Dr Sally Winning says job satisfaction is also good for your health.

“Loving your job is going to benefit you in all aspects of your life, your relationships, and your general physical and mental well being.

“You don’t want a job that’s completely stress free. If the job is too easy and no longer challenging you’re no longer satisfied. You need the right amount of challenge and stress to push yourself and get a sense of satisfaction.”

One of Aberdeen’s best known broadcaster’s Cheryl Paul of STV says going out and meeting people is the best part of her job as a Business Correspondent.

“Most of us have had a job we hate-you dread going in the mornings and it makes you feel low. I’m lucky enough now to have a job which I love doing and I enjoy every minute, although sometimes standing in the rain at Peterhead harbour, I can’t wait to get home to the fire!”

Leading Aberdeen Recruitment company, Thorpe Molloy says lots of people tolerate a job they hate because they don’t think they are qualified to get another job but that’s not usually the case.

Dave Newbigging, HR recruitment specialist explains;

 “We can help people find a role that brings them more happiness in their work because we make sure we understand exactly what our candidates are looking for – sometimes they don’t even know themselves until we begin talking through their options. A job may look perfect on paper, but we encourage candidates to think about factors they may not have considered, for instance, does the role really suit the work/life balance they are trying to achieve or would they respect the company values and management style? ”

Working alongside Dave, fellow HR recruitment specialist Sam McLeod continues;

 “Few people are exactly alike when determining what makes them happy at work, but frequently, base and bonus pay levels are not the key drivers. Relationships with managers and peers; the type of work and growth opportunities often feature as much higher priorities.”

If you are unable to agree positively with most of these statements, perhaps it’s time to think about what would make you happy in your work? Try Thorpe Molloy’s quiz and find out!

Quiz: Do You Love Your Job

Yes or No

I look forward to going to work on Monday morning.
I feel positive most of the time I am working.
I have good friends at work.
I feel valued at work, with my efforts recognised and appreciated.
I trust our leadership team.
Creativity and innovation are supported.
I feel informed about what’s going on.
I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day at work.
My manager cares about me as a person.
I am fairly compensated.

Give yourself two points for each statement you answered positively. Use the following scale to evaluate your job.

17 - 20	Great job	6 - 9	Bad job
14 - 16	Good job	1 - 5	Depressing job
10 - 13	OK job

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