Day-to-Day Realities
Even if your job is just to pay the bills, considering how you manage the day to day realities of your job is key. The key to have expectations managed up front so that it’s clear what the expectations are on both ends.
Navigating Day-to-Day Realities in Your Job
In an ideal world, we would all have jobs that perfectly align with our passions and values, making each workday fulfilling and something to look forward to. However, the reality for many is that a job serves primarily as a means to pay the bills to maintain one’s lifestyle. If you’re used to a certain lifestyle, it can be challenging to make changes to your day job when you have built up pressure and expectations for your lifestyle. Even if you just see your job as a means to pay the bills, how you manage the day-to-day realities of your job is key for maintaining your well-being and job satisfaction.
Understanding Job Fit: Aligning Values and Work Environment
One of the first steps in effectively managing your job is understanding whether it fits well with your personal values and preferred work style. So many of us go into jobs for the money and do not consider whether values are aligned. A mismatch can lead to stress, expectations that are not managed and even burnout. For example, if you're a visual person who thrives on written communication and your job requires you to spend most of your time in meetings and following verbal/audio communications, you may find yourself struggling to stay engaged and productive.
Identifying Your Work Preferences
Take a moment to reflect on your personal preferences and how they align with your current role:
Communication Style: Do you prefer written communication over verbal? If your job relies heavily on meetings and spoken instructions, this misalignment can cause frustration and inefficiencies.
Work Environment: Are you more productive in a structured environment or do you thrive in environments that foster flexibility? Understanding this can help you navigate your daily tasks and also determine whether your current environment supports how you work best.
Core Values: Reflect on what values are most important to you. Do you value integrity, creativity or teamwork? Assess if your employer shares similar values and supports them in practice.
Managing Expectations: The Key to Job Satisfaction
Managing expectations upfront is vital and many individuals and companies fail to realize this. Clear communication between you and your employer about job expectations and shifting needs can prevent misunderstandings. Having clarity can also help align your daily tasks with your strengths and preferences.
Steps to Manage Expectations
Initial Conversations: During the hiring process or when starting a new role, have an open and honest discussion about your preferred working style and any potential concerns. Determine what is most important to your hiring manager and also the company. Upfront conversations can set a positive tone and establish mutual understanding.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular meetings with your manager to discuss how things are going. This can help address any challenges and make adjustments to better align your role with your strengths.
Feedback Loop: Initiate a feedback loop where you can openly express your thoughts on what’s working and what isn’t. This can also be an opportunity for your manager to give and receive feedback. This continuous communication can help tweak your work to better fit your skills and preferences.
