Conversations you don’t hear are about how much employees love what they are doing. If they do, then they’re just plain lucky. Or are they? Could you be as lucky, too?
Here are reasons why some people enjoy their jobs. Maybe you too can find something about your job that you appreciate, making each day more positive or at the very least, less of a drudgery.
1. Being exposed to different people and places
Flight attendant Emily Santiago enjoys the opportunity to visit different countries. “My job brings me to places I wouldn’t be able to go to on my own. I get to taste local food, visit friends in foreign countries, stay in various hotels, meet people of different backgrounds, and buy things and food to share with my husband and two kids when I finally go home.”Isabel Camus, an administration assistant, admits to not exactly enjoying her work, but there is one aspect she does like. “I enjoy working around people,” she says. “I like observing them while they work or when they interact with others. It amuses me and I learn a lot about office dynamics.”
2. Learning new things and meeting challenges
Public relations planner and digital strategist Miggy Bautista shares what he learns on the job. “I like the fact that I’m exposed to different brands so it gives me a well-rounded understanding of how to communicate and market to different types of consumers. I also like how everyone is now so focused on going digital and mobile, as those are the future!”Jaypee Gonzaga, an ice cream category manager, also enjoys the fast pace. “Though it gets challenging most of the time, I enjoy the dynamism of the job,” he says. “There's always a new adventure every day that needs tackling.”
Interior designer Gin Samson willingly takes on what her job throws at her. “What I enjoy about interior design is the challenge of reorganizing a space and turning it into a practical place or a place of purpose,” she explains. “Design also sets the mood in a place and it is very fulfilling if we designers are able to accomplish that task.”3. Doing what you love
There are a fortunate few who get to do what they love every day. Sadly, most of them will slowly come to the frustrating realization that there are always bumps in the road. If this happens to you, it’s important to go back to why you are doing it and what you loved about it in the first place. That way, you can stay focused on the big picture when the little problems come along.
In his case, program development specialist Jappy Lim loves working with marine life. He says he enjoys, “The opportunity to work with animals and also to further my advocacy of environmental awareness for everyone.”
Veterinarian Mayem Yao loves animals too. She enjoys, “Dealing with pets in general. Pets can be very therapeutic...stress relievers. Plus, the great feeling you get when you successfully treat a pet.”4. Giving you a confidence boost
When things go right and it’s all thanks to you, it can feel like you’re on top of the world. A job can do that for you. Manager Anna Marco shares, “What I enjoy the most is when the client confirms that they are happy with the service that I gave.”Melody Tan, who works in trade marketing, shares the same sentiments about her job. “I have a feeling of achievement and I feel very fulfilled.”
5. Making a difference
Though all jobs affect change in one way or another, some can be truly fulfilling because you can see the good that you are doing. Senior manager Janelle Sunico says, “I enjoy my job because we give disadvantaged people a chance to improve their and their families' lives.”
Attorney Inez Togle shares, “I enjoy being a public attorney because it allows me to serve my country, particularly the University that has helped me become who I am today. In a way, serving UP lets me give back to all the taxpayers who have subsidized my education all these years. Also, I get exposed to brilliant lawyers and public servants who genuinely want to help the Philippines.”“Nothing beats working alongside young people who are passionate about driving positive social change—ending exploitation and trafficking,” says MTV EXIT Philippines Campaign Coordinator Louie Barretto. “Music is a big part of my life and I love it that MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) uses the powerful influence of music to inspire action against this critical global problem.”
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Though the source of all our gripes, our jobs can also bring us fulfillment, satisfaction, and—dare we even say it—happiness. All we need to do is find it by taking charge of our careers, our lives, and our futures.
Got a question or comment for Olivia? Email her at threeolivias@yahoo.com.Olivia Yao has been writing ever since she can remember. She has written for health, teen, parenting, and children's magazines. Her latest endeavor is being a mom to her three-year-old daughter—her toughest assignment yet.
