So you have read part one and two, and feel ready to chase the job of your dreams? You know your values and you know what jobs to apply to. Great for you, here is a reality check that you need to do first. Is your dream job right under your nose? Have you done whatever you can do to create the dream job right where you are? I once heard about a ball point pen tester, writing the letter L all day long, and have done this job for several years. – The staying power is based on the fact that someday someone important needs to sign an important contract, and their pens should work when that happens.

Do you have the right perspective?
I am writing legal stuff – I am helping people get legal support.
I am digging – I am making infrastructure so transportation can be more effective in this country.
I am a salesman – I am helping people communicate with each other.
I am a hairdresser – I am creating self esteem.
I am a coach – I am helping other people to grow and achieve their dreams.
I work at a call center – I am helping people to solve their problems.
I am a baker – I am creating an experience in tasting. Making people feel good.What do you really do? What impact does your job have on other people? What have you done so far to create your own dream job? I believe that most people are capable of changing perspective, creating their dream just where they are without the hassle of changing jobs.

Think about it, are you participating in creating a good work environment? Do you make other people happy at work? Why not? Are you sure that you’re not a part of the problem? Do you contribute to employee engagement? Ask yourself; what can you do to create your dream right where you are?

Example:
What do you do? – I work at a call center
What do you really do? – I answer calls from our customers
What impact do you have on other people? – I help them to communicate with the world, I help my customers to make money and I create opportunities. I fix their problems.

Still not happy?
Many people do make a great effort to be happy at work, but can’t quite achieve happiness anyway. Most likely you will have mismatch in either values or skills you like to use. Know that you have done your part, and read part two again, as it might be job hunting season.

My opinion: I do believe that employees are responsible for creating a good work atmosphere. You should be able to be positive or at least constructive when negative. As I manager I am obligated to help you grow, and to allow you to be happy. If you want to have personal items on your desk, I should allow it. As a manager I should be a positive yes person. But when the day starts it is your choice if you want a good or a bad day, each day. As a leader I should do my best to make sure that you have a great day. As an employee you should do your best to protect a healthy work environment. Take care of yourself, your fellow co-workers, and find ways to make your day GREAT! The grass is greener on the side of the fence that you fertilize.

Further reading:

• http://craigalan.wordpress.com/2009/04/09/personal-strategy-and-self-alignment/
• http://humanresources.about.com/od/success/tp/happy_work.htm
• http://positivesharing.com/happyhouris9to5/
• http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/cs/2009/05/7_ways_to_be_happier_at_work.html
• http://www.workhappynow.com/happy-at-work-project/
• Dissatisfied at work? Perhaps it’s you?

Further looking and listening:

• Malcolm O. Munro on youtube about finding your dream job part 1.
• Malcolm O. Munro on youtube about finding your dream job part 2.
• Simon Sinek Podcast about finding your dream job