Four Things Everybody Wants from Work

"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." Dorothy Parker

Four things make the list of what everybody wants from work, according to career counselor and author, Howard Figler: money, people, challenge, and meaning

Self-employed people would rank control pretty high, too. Specifically, we want control over how we spend our time, but we also control and have the responsibility for the other things on the list.

1. Money. How much money you make is up to you. How hard and how smart are you willing to work? You reap the rewards.

2. People. What kind of people do you want to associate with? You can fire unpleasant customers and join professional groups of people you like to be around.

3. Challenge. Being self-employed is a constant challenge, using all of your skills, knowledge and abilities and pushing you to learn more. If you get bored, you can always start a new project.

4. Meaning. How does your work contribute to society or make the world a better place? Does is it express your values? Is it the work you were born to do?

No matter how you answer these questions, you have the power to change or improve any aspect of you your work. That is why self-employment is scary, overwhelming, exciting and rewarding all at the same time.

©2006 Dixie Darr. All rights reserved.