That job means different things to different people and can vary depending on your career stage. At Otta, we're on a mission to help you find fulfilment in your career - we want you to know that that job is (still) out there. The job where it’s the work that’s challenging, not the people. Where you’re paid what you’re worth and you don’t have to shout to be heard. Where your employer prioritises your well-being and you can bring your full self to work.
Wherever you are right now in your journey, we've put together a few prompts to help you assess whether you've found that job yet.
Do you feel connected to your company's mission?
Working for a company with a strong sense of purpose can be highly motivating and rewarding, especially when the work aligns with your own personal values. Does your company have a clear vision for how they are making a positive impact in the world - whether it’s focusing on environmental sustainability, social justice, healthcare, education? If the business you work for has a deeper mission than just making money for its stakeholders, chances are you’re in good company!
Mik Ridhwan, Networth Growth Lead at Bonnet, found that job on Otta:
"We all genuinely believe we can do amazing things in the EV industry, for the environment and in this world as a whole."
Do you make a meaningful contribution to the success of the business?
Are you being pushed to do and be your best whilst being given the support and resources you need to succeed? A great job should give you opportunities to use your skills and expertise to tackle complex problems and make a meaningful contribution to the overall success of the business. If your role offers a high level of responsibility and allows you to take on challenges and learn new things, it’s likely a good place to be. A job that is both challenging and rewarding can keep you motivated and engaged in your work.
Paloma Alonso, Customer Success Manager at Klaviyo, found that job on Otta:
“I love being challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone.”
Does your company culture support your definition of work/ life balance?
Having a good work-life balance benefits everyone, but it's especially important for those with demanding schedules or family commitments. A great people-first workplace will offer flexible working arrangements, like the option to work from home or allowing you to adjust your schedule to accommodate commitments outside of work, or even offering a 4-day week / 9-day fortnight. It's also important to find a company that values the mental and physical wellbeing of its employees, offering resources like mental health benefits & wellness programmes, and promotes a psychologically safe environment where you can share constructive feedback.
Antonia Merrill, People Associate at Liberis, found that job on Otta:
“As a mother I have very little extra time so I need to work for a company that measures output and understands that you can be a great employee and also flex your working hours occasionally”
Do you feel valued and rewarded for the work you do?
It's important to feel that you are fairly compensated for the work you do, and that your value is recognised by your employer. What constitutes “good” pay can differ from person to person. Beyond a base pay that's in line with your market rate, it's useful to look at the compensation package as a whole - whether that's stock/share options in the company or wellness benefits like health insurance. A great workplace will always be transparent about the company’s pay policies, making a genuine effort to fairly compensate its employees and stay flexible in what that fairness means to different people.
Do you feel safe and included in your workplace and company culture?
An inclusive workplace is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, collaboration, and a feeling of psychological safety to show up to work as your authentic self. Do you feel like your workplace is committed to building a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, making a genuine effort to create a supportive environment for all employees? This can include initiatives like inclusive hiring training, employee resource groups, or training programmes on topics like unconscious bias and inclusive leadership. The burden often disproportionately falls on people from underrepresented groups to take this on as extra research when deciding where to work, but we can only start seeing change if everyone expects and demands more accountability from existing or potential employers.
Bridget Fitzgerald, Frontend Engineer at nPlan, found that job on Otta:
“I have many trusted coworkers who make me feel heard, and we do a great job of celebrating our values and each other’s work”
Are you excited by the opportunities you have to learn and grow professionally?
A great job should offer opportunities for professional growth and development, which is a perfectly fair thing to ask about in an interview, or from your current employer. This includes opportunities for training, mentorship, and advancement, and a general commitment to helping employees reach their full potential through initiatives like professional development budgets, skills training and management / leadership programmes. You should look for companies that have a clear career progression path and offer opportunities for advancement within (and outside of!) the organisation.
Leonor Furtado, Lead Data Scientist at DICE, found that job on Otta:
“DICE is at a unique stage where growth and opportunity are around every corner.”
Whether you’re currently working for a company that hits the mark on some or all of the points above (or you’re on the lookout for one that does) one thing is sure: that job looks different for everyone. You’re the only one that can decide how much (or how little) each of these areas will lead you to feeling fulfilled in your career.
Your priorities will change as you progress professionally, but if one thing should remain constant, it should be the intention to assess your job satisfaction regularly, and make changes when you need to.
And we’ll be here to support you and to remind you that, if you don’t have it already - that job is still out there for you! Start your search here.