Still haven’t found…
Yesterday at work, I overheard two colleague’s talking, and it quickly became apparent that one of them had applied for a job with another government agency. The second fellow asked him why he was looking for another job.
“Well, I’ve been here five years. If I stay any longer I’m afraid I’ll end up like a lot of people who no longer put forth the effort they did when they started. I want to keep myself on the ball so I don’t get lazy.”
I sometimes feel like I am the only person in the world completely satisfied with his job–not even desirous of looking for anything better. I don’t care if it is a sign of impending laziness, I like my work, and I appreciate all the benefits of my job. I have found what I’m looking for.
I actually remember reading not long ago that today, five years is the average amount of time people work at a job. At one time, people would find work in a factory or company or department store and remain there for the entirety of their working life. No more.
It makes me feel rather anomalous that I would rather be one of those people who stays with the same organization for thirty years. Maybe I like comfort and stability too much. Who knows. However, when I hear people at work complaining about our organization or disparaging their boss, I think to myself, “You have no clue how lucky you are to work here.”
Or maybe I just haven’t worked there long enough myself in order to be that cynical.
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A person satisfied with work? As my sister would say… Call Guiness!
Isn’t it funny that we feel strange about not being the same as what we perceive everyone else to be? Even if it’s a good thing? Much better to be OK with staying put than to always be looking/doing that next thing. Constantly looking is no way to live.
I half wonder if the modern pressure to “do one’s calling” as a profession has something to do with workers’ nomad-ness. Because, really, that’s asking a lot out of a job.
Comment by Heather — Saturday, 22 September 2007 @ 11:41 am
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
If you like your job … don’t trade it for something you might not.
That said, I have an average of about 3.5 years at each of my jobs. Enough said.
Comment by Mel B. — Monday, 24 September 2007 @ 9:05 am
It’s tough. I was among those perennially looking for something better, about five years ago. I remember what it is like. I guess it’s one thing to look for a better job because the pay or benefits suck, or you don’t see a future in it, or your boss is an idiot…but to leave (as this guy is doing) because he anticipates getting bored or slacking off in his work, that seems a little crazy to me.
As you say, if you like your job, why look? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Comment by greypilgrim — Monday, 24 September 2007 @ 9:21 am