Labor Day - Why I like my job

At church yesterday, Pastor Larry talked about loving our jobs.  Kind of a weird sermon topic, but fitting for the Labor Day weekend and it was in keeping with his summer long series called "Summer Lovin'". 

His sermon got me thinking about my job. I like my job. I really like my job.  I've been with my employer for 22 years. I've had five distinct jobs (and a few variations of the same job) while there. I've enjoyed them all. Sure I moan and groan along with the rest of my co-workers and joke in the elevator about how many days until the weekend. But when all is said in done, I do like my job.

Here's a few things that came to mind about why I like my job:

• I'm needed. The talents and abilities I bring to the table are needed. They are not special talents and abilities, but they are uniquely mine. When I can step into a room and facilitate a workshop filled with vice presidents, directors, supervisors and claims adjusters and the group ends the day with a clear vision and next steps, I'm thrilled.  Sounds like hubris? It's not - it's just the satisfaction of knowing I'm in the right place for right now.
• I have some measure of autonomy. That is, I get to work on things that I believe are important and will help the division and the company. I am allowed room to initiate ideas, to try things and fail, and to try things and succeed. In his book Drive, Daniel Pink writes that autonomy is one of the key elements in motivating workers today. When employees have some control over what the work is and how it is done, everyone succeeds. For too long management has assumed employees need to be cajoled, coerced, and badgered into performing well.  The old carrot and stick (sometimes more stick than carrot) routine. But new research is showing this is not true. I believe the vast majority of employees want to produce good work. It's just that sometimes management gets in the way and puts up too many obstacles. 
• I'm a true believer. I believe in the mission and vision of my company. I believe that every day the employees of my company make a difference in people's lives. Yes, it is an insurance company, but as our leadership principles state - and as my co-workers demonstrate every day - we are not just another insurance company.
• My boss and co-workers make it easy. Sure there are days when we are all on each other's last nerve.  That's bound to happen when you spend 8 or 9 hours a day, five days a week with people. But I don't doubt the sincerity and earnestness of my co-workers to do well.  There's enough success for all of us. There's no back-stabbing or manipulating to climb the corporate ladder.

These are just a few reasons why I like my job.  How about you? Do you like your job? Why?  If you don't, want do you plan to do about it?