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Job satisfaction is arguably one of the most important elements of your life, because you spend a huge proportion of your time at work—and because when you’re satisfied at work, it has positive spillover to the rest of your experience.
There are five key factors to consider for satisfaction—and 30+ roles which are most likely to deliver it.
Interestingly, today’s reality is a mixed bag today in terms of whether we’re satisfied at work. On the one hand, job satisfaction is at an all-time high of 62% since 1987, according to the Conference Board., and engagement is also at a record high, according to Gallup.
On the other hand, nearly 60% of people reported being dissatisfied with their work and emotionally detached from it. And a whopping 19% said they were miserable, based on the data from Gallup.
So what does it take to be satisfied in your career? And which careers offer you the best chances at satisfaction?
Here are the factors to consider and (keep reading for) the roles which deliver your best options.
5 Ways to Find Career Satisfaction
It’s important to understand the key elements which drive satisfaction. Your experience will be unique, of course, but generally when people have these kinds of experiences, they are more likely to be fulfilled and happy. Therefore, these are the elements to prioritize when you’re looking for a job and developing your career.
- First, as much as possible align what you love to do and what you have to do. It’s very unlikely you’ll ever find a job that perfectly fits what you love and doesn’t include anything you dislike—but when you can get as close as possible, the match is a powerful contributor to fulfillment.
- Second, do something that matters. A sense of purpose is significantly correlated with fulfillment and satisfaction. You don’t have to be solving world peace or world hunger, but when you show up and do great work that is meaningful to your colleagues and to the people you serve, it’s good for you as well. You can consider the meaning of work—showing up and doing what you do the best of your ability, no matter what type of work it is—as well as the meaning in work—a career which you feel has intrinsic value. Either type of meaning contributes to satisfaction—both the meaning of work and the meaning in work.
- Third, consider your people. Another element of satisfaction is when you can connect your work to other people and your community. For some jobs, the link is obvious: For example, a teacher is helping students learn and create their futures. For other jobs, you can make the link yourself: You work in the marketing department, and you help people find products that will enhance their experiences.
- Fourth, consider learning and growth. Another fundamental aspect of satisfaction is a career which offers the opportunity to develop over time. Learning and stretch are linked with happiness, so when your career offers opportunities to explore something new and challenge your existing skills, there’s a good chance you’ll find it more satisfying.
- Fifth, seek respect. Most people want a job that offers a level of prestige and respect from others. According to a poll by Zety, people have the greatest respect for jobs which care for others, are trustworthy and are essential to society. In addition, people value those who do jobs which require a high level of intellect, education or physical ability. Validate for yourself the aspects of your work which deliver on these characteristics.
In addition to these top five factors, you’re also wise to consider things like pay and job security, the typical level of stress associated with the job, the type of organization the job will be a part of, as well as the growth potential of the job. You should also consider the hours of work, level of autonomy and the working conditions of the job—which affect your overall patters for living and quality of work-life.
Following are the roles which are likely to be most satisfying based on a combination of all these factors.
Consider Helping or Social Service Roles
Helping and social service roles serve people and the community. They can be stressful, but they offer significant rewards in their effects on the people they serve.
Teacher – Of course teachers take on the responsibility to educate students at all levels, from young children to college students. A high school teacher’s average salary is $66,000 and the projected growth for the profession is 5%. Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree and must be licensed in the state where they teach. Related to a teaching profession and also offering high levels of satisfaction are librarians ($61,000 average salary) and educational administrators ($103,000).
Therapist – A therapist counsels people and supports their wellbeing by addressing issues like depression, anxiety and coping approaches. The average salary is $88,000 and the growth prospects in the profession are 14%. Therapists typically have a bachelor’s degree, but many also seek a master’s degree as well.
Non-Profit Lawyer – A lawyer represents individuals through legal issues. The average salary is $164,000, and the projected growth is 10% per year. A lawyer is required to obtain both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, and they must pass the Bar Exam before they are allowed to practice. Lawyers are one of the ten fastest growing jobs in the next decade, according to analysis by ResumeGenius.
Additional Roles – You may also consider helping professions such as firefighters ($51,000 average salary), clergy members ($57,000), emergency management directors ($77,000) or psychiatrists ($217,000).
Consider Healthcare Roles
Healthcare roles typically have high levels of satisfaction, especially based on their impact on people’s health.
Assistant Occupational Therapist – These professionals work alongside occupational therapists and help people regain physical capabilities. Their average salary is $66,000 and the role is expected to grow 25%. The job requires an associate’s degree as well as a state license.
Speech-Language Pathologist – This role supports people who have difficulty speaking or swallowing. The average salary is $89,000, with a growth projection of 21%. The role requires a master’s degree as well as a license.
Radiation Therapist – These experts administer radiation therapy to cancer patients. Their average salary is $121,000 and while they do not require a degree, they typically complete an accreditation program.
Nurse Practitioner – These healthcare professionals see patients and they offer services between doctors and registered nurses. They perform exams, order diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. The average salary is $125,000 and the role is projected to grow 40%. Nurse practitioners must have a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree, and they must be licensed. Nurse practitioners are another of the ten fastest growing jobs in the next decade, based on data from ResumeGenius.
Additional Roles – You may also consider roles such as a physical therapist ($96,000 average salary), medical and health services manager ($101,000), dentist ($163,000), pediatrician ($198,000), general practitioner ($236,000), surgeon ($298,000) or anesthesiologist ($331,000),
Consider Roles in the Arts
Roles in the arts are often cited as being especially satisfying because they offer an outlet for creativity and the expression of specialized talents—as well as a positive effects on audiences.
Music Director and Composer – Here you can consider a music director and composer role with an average salary of $49,000 and an 80% projected growth rate. A degree is not typically required.
Consider Tech Roles
Tech roles offer satisfaction, especially because they are so integral to so many organizations and because they are growing and expanding significantly today.
Data Scientist – This role works with data to analyze and synthesize to make recommendations for decision making in all kinds of fields. The average salary is $115,000 and the projected growth is 36%. Data scientists need a bachelor’s degree and often have a master’s degree as well, although some companies are emphasizing skills-based hiring and not requiring a degree.
IT Security Professional – Again, this is a swiftly growing field and a job required in many organizations. It focuses on cyber security. The average salary is $120,000 and the projected growth for the role is 35%. The role requires a bachelor’s degree.
Software Developer – This is one of today’s primary roles for both satisfaction and growth—and it is available with a large number of organizations. The role creates software for all kinds of programs which go into products and services. The average salary is $133,000 with a projected growth rate of 26% over almost the next decade. Software developers typically have a bachelor’s degree, although some organizations do not require a degree for this role. This role is one of the fastest growing over the next decade, based on assessment by ResumeGenius.
Additional Roles – You may also consider a web developer role ($77,000 average salary) or an IT manager role ($159,000).
Consider Business Roles
Business roles offer plenty of satisfaction for their flexibility and opportunities for continuous growth across organizations and the profession.
Real Estate Agent – This role helps people buy and sell homes, and facilitates real estate transactions. The average salary is $71,000 and the growth rate is projected to be 5%. An associate’s degree is typical, although not required. In addition, a license is required.
Market Research Analyst – This type of job examines the market for patterns and insights in order to inform business decisions. The average salary is $79,000 and the growth rate is 19%. The role requires a bachelor’s degree. This is another of the fastest growing jobs in the next decade, based on ResumeGenius.
Engagement Manager – This role is focused on building relationships with clients in order to implement and manage implementation of a service or product. The average salary is $112,000, and a degree is typically not required.
Financial Advisor – This role helps others financial matters and advises them about how to manage and plan their finances. The average salary is $117,000 and the projected growth rate for the role is 15%. A bachelor’s degree is required as well as a licensing exam.
Additional Roles – You might also consider a financial manager role ($132,000 average salary).
Consider Additional Roles
Many people also find jobs which are hands-on to be highly satisfying because of the tangible outcomes they experience and the autonomy that often accompanies the jobs. You can consider a role as an oil and gas rotary drill operator ($62,000 average salary), a forester role ($68,000) or an owner-operator truck driver ($321,000).
Either a role as a cartographer (map maker) ($69,000 average salary) or a physicist ($147,000) are also likely to be highly satisfying.
Find Your Best Role
Overall, your satisfaction will depend on what’s most important to you, uniquely. Consider basics like salary and job security, but then also weigh the levels of purpose, happiness and connectedness each role will deliver.
And remember you can always shift careers as well. Choose something you love today, and be ready to evolve your role as you grow over time.
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