#Job satisfaction

[prawnlegs]

CAPTION CONTEST KIDDOS I'm holding a caption contest for last month's postcard illustration (above). Comment here OR on the Patreon post with your caption and I'll pick a winner on May 15th. The winner will get to pick out $15 worth of stuff from my shop and I'll mail it to them free of charge!

RULES: 1. One entry per person, please 2. Open to everyone, but due to the prohibitive cost of mailing anything above letter size/weight internationally, no Job Satisfaction print issues outside the US. Sorry!

[savagechickens]

Hire Standard.

And more hiring.

[uniqueness-ev]

i’m satisfied. i did a good job today.

[whispersoftheunheard]

When You Hate Your Own Life…

It's 1 AM. The world is quiet, but my mind is loud. Thoughts keep coming, asking questions I can’t answer.

Why do I feel this way? There’s no heartbreak. No fights. No family problems. No money issues. Yet, I feel empty, like something is missing. Maybe it’s self-satisfaction. Maybe it’s my lost dreams.

I know the reasons, but I can’t take them lightly. I make things simple for others, help them solve their problems. But for myself? It’s different. I overthink, and somehow, I end up carrying everything alone.

Why do I care so much about others? Why do I always put their happiness first? Do they truly love me? Sometimes, the answer is ‘yes.’ Other times, it’s ‘no.’

But here I am, questioning my life. Where did my dreams go? Am I really happy? The answer feels far away— a big no.

I smile, act happy, and go on like everything is fine. But inside, I feel lost.

Sometimes, I just want to be alone, away from expectations, away from pretending. I want to find me again—the version of myself that didn’t have to fake a smile.

Maybe this is just a phase. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll feel better. Or maybe, this is the moment I start putting my happiness first.

Until then, I write. Because words don’t judge. They just listen.

[omegaphilosophia]

Why Many Modern-Day Jobs are Detrimental or Useless to Society

In the contemporary world, a significant number of jobs have been criticized for being either detrimental or useless to society. This critique has been fueled by growing concerns about the negative impact certain professions have on individual well-being, the environment, and the overall social fabric. The concept of "bullshit jobs," popularized by anthropologist David Graeber, highlights the existence of jobs that contribute little to society while consuming time, energy, and resources. In this discussion, we'll explore why some modern-day jobs are viewed as detrimental or useless and examine the implications for individuals and society as a whole.

Detrimental Jobs: Harmful to Society and the Environment

Environmental Degradation:

Many jobs in industries like fossil fuels, fast fashion, and industrial agriculture are seen as detrimental due to their significant contributions to environmental degradation. These jobs often involve activities that harm ecosystems, contribute to climate change, and deplete natural resources. The environmental cost of these industries raises questions about their long-term sustainability and the moral justification for their continued existence.

Exploitation and Inequality:

Certain jobs are criticized for perpetuating exploitation and widening social inequality. This is particularly evident in low-wage, labor-intensive industries where workers endure poor working conditions, long hours, and minimal pay. The existence of such jobs reflects a system that prioritizes profit over human dignity, contributing to the perpetuation of poverty and social injustice.

Misallocation of Talent:

The financial sector, especially roles focused on speculation and high-frequency trading, is often cited as an example of jobs that misallocate human talent. While these roles may generate significant profits for individuals and corporations, they contribute little to the real economy or societal well-being. The focus on financial manipulation rather than productive innovation can lead to economic instability and undermine the broader social good.

Perpetuation of Harmful Industries:

Jobs in industries like tobacco, arms manufacturing, and junk food production are seen as detrimental because they perpetuate products and services that harm public health and safety. These jobs often exist in direct conflict with societal goals like reducing disease, promoting peace, and improving quality of life.

Useless Jobs: The "Bullshit Jobs" Phenomenon

Lack of Meaningful Contribution:

According to Graeber, a significant number of jobs exist that provide little to no meaningful contribution to society. These "bullshit jobs" include roles such as corporate bureaucrats, telemarketers, and certain types of middle management. Employees in these positions often feel that their work is pointless, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a sense of alienation.

Artificial Job Creation:

In some cases, jobs are created not because they fulfill a societal need, but because of artificial demand generated by economic or corporate structures. For example, many administrative roles in large organizations may exist simply to manage complexity that could be avoided or streamlined. This creates a situation where resources are spent maintaining inefficiencies rather than addressing real societal challenges.

Psychological Impact:

The existence of useless jobs can have a profound psychological impact on workers. When people feel that their work lacks purpose or value, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and a decline in mental health. This, in turn, can reduce overall productivity and contribute to a broader sense of societal malaise.

Resource Waste:

Useless jobs consume valuable resources, including time, energy, and money, that could be better spent on addressing pressing social issues such as healthcare, education, and environmental conservation. The opportunity cost of maintaining such jobs is significant, as it diverts resources away from potentially transformative projects.

Implications for Society

Economic Inefficiency:

The proliferation of detrimental and useless jobs can lead to significant economic inefficiencies. When large portions of the workforce are engaged in activities that do not contribute to societal well-being or actively harm it, the overall productivity and resilience of the economy suffer.

Moral and Ethical Concerns:

The existence of such jobs raises important moral and ethical questions about the nature of work and its role in human life. Should jobs that harm the environment, exploit workers, or contribute little to society be allowed to continue? How do we balance economic growth with ethical considerations?

Need for a Paradigm Shift:

Addressing these issues may require a fundamental rethinking of our economic and social systems. This could involve redefining the concept of work, prioritizing jobs that contribute to the common good, and creating policies that encourage meaningful employment. A shift towards a more sustainable and equitable economy might involve promoting green jobs, supporting social enterprises, and investing in education and healthcare.

The critique of modern-day jobs as detrimental or useless highlights the need for a deeper examination of the role of work in society. As we face global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and social fragmentation, it is crucial to question whether our current economic structures are serving the greater good. By rethinking the types of jobs we value and prioritize, we can work towards a more just, sustainable, and meaningful future for all.

[rifkisyabani]

Career Goals

Setelah kita bicara soal “performance” atau kinerja profesional kita di sini, maka saatnya kita diskusi lebih lanjut tentang tujuan dalam mengelola dan mengembangkan karir profesi. Kenapa kita perlu mendesain dan merancang tujuan karir? Tentu agar kita punya batasan yang jelas dan parameter ukuran yang seimbang dan proporsional dalam mewujudkannya. Bahkan misalkan Om Rene Sudarsono sendiri…

[paz-101]

[cynicalclassicist]

How we envy that dog!

[savagechickens]

Legal Action.

And more work.

[hrtechpub]

The Link Between Job Satisfaction and Mental Health

Job satisfaction and mental health are intricately linked, and understanding this relationship is crucial for both employers and employees. A fulfilling, positive work environment can promote mental well-being, while a toxic or unfulfilling job can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. In this blog, we’ll explore the strong connection between job satisfaction and mental health and provide insights on how both employees and organizations can foster a healthier, more fulfilling work life.

1. The Impact of Job Satisfaction on Stress Levels

One of the most significant ways job satisfaction affects mental health is through stress. Employees who feel undervalued, overworked, or unsupported in their roles are more likely to experience high levels of stress. Chronic stress, in turn, can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. On the other hand, individuals with high job satisfaction generally report lower stress levels.

Job satisfaction is often linked to factors like fair compensation, clear expectations, opportunities for growth, and a supportive workplace culture. When employees feel respected and appreciated, they are better able to manage workplace pressures and maintain a healthier mental state. By promoting a positive work culture and providing adequate support, employers can help employees reduce stress, thus improving mental health.

2. Workplace Environment and Mental Health

The physical and social environment of the workplace plays a critical role in both job satisfaction and mental health. A positive, inclusive, and collaborative atmosphere contributes to greater employee happiness and mental well-being. When employees are surrounded by supportive colleagues, have access to resources, and feel safe in their work environment, they are more likely to experience satisfaction in their job and better mental health outcomes.

However, a toxic or hostile work environment can have the opposite effect. Discrimination, harassment, poor leadership, and lack of teamwork can cause employees to feel isolated, anxious, and demotivated. This creates a mental health crisis for many workers. Addressing workplace issues such as bullying, discrimination, and inequality is essential to creating a positive work culture that fosters mental well-being.

3. Autonomy and Control Over Work

Having a sense of control over one’s work is a key factor in job satisfaction and mental health. When employees have autonomy in how they approach their tasks, they experience a sense of empowerment that positively affects their mental health. Conversely, micromanagement or lack of control over decision-making can lead to frustration, anxiety, and diminished job satisfaction.

Providing employees with the ability to make decisions, set their own schedules (where possible), and contribute their ideas fosters a sense of ownership and self-worth. This autonomy reduces stress and boosts confidence, leading to better mental health and a more engaged workforce. Organizations that prioritize empowering employees with decision-making responsibilities see higher job satisfaction and a positive impact on mental well-being.

4. Work-Life Balance and Its Effect on Mental Health

The balance between work and personal life is crucial for mental health. Employees who struggle to maintain boundaries between their professional and personal lives often experience burnout and stress, which can eventually lead to anxiety or depression. The pressure to be constantly “on,” especially with the rise of digital connectivity, can contribute to emotional exhaustion.

Job satisfaction can significantly improve when employers recognize the importance of work-life balance. Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and paid time off allows employees to manage their time more effectively, reducing stress and helping them maintain healthy relationships outside of work. A workplace that encourages and supports work-life balance can greatly improve both job satisfaction and mental well-being.

5. The Role of Recognition and Career Growth

A lack of recognition and stagnant career growth can lead to frustration, feelings of unfulfillment, and negative mental health outcomes. Job satisfaction is deeply linked to employees feeling valued for their contributions. When individuals feel their efforts are appreciated — whether through formal recognition, promotions, or bonuses — they experience greater satisfaction and motivation in their role.

Additionally, opportunities for career advancement are crucial for long-term job satisfaction. Employees who feel stuck in their positions or unable to develop professionally may become disengaged, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. On the other hand, providing employees with opportunities for growth, training, and advancement keeps them engaged and boosts their mental health.

Conclusion

The connection between job satisfaction and mental health is undeniable. Employees who experience high levels of job satisfaction tend to have better mental health, lower stress, and greater overall well-being. A positive work environment, a sense of autonomy, work-life balance, recognition, and opportunities for career growth all play vital roles in creating a healthy mental state at work.

For employers, understanding this link is key to fostering a workforce that is not only productive but also mentally healthy. By addressing factors that contribute to job dissatisfaction, such as poor management, lack of recognition, and a toxic work environment, companies can improve employee well-being. On the flip side, employees can take proactive steps to maintain a balance between work and personal life, seek autonomy in their roles, and communicate their needs to employers to promote job satisfaction and better mental health.

When job satisfaction is prioritized, both employees and organizations thrive — leading to a more engaged, motivated, and healthy workforce.

To learn more, visit HR Tech Pub.

[littlebellesmama]

When Success Steals Your Evenings: Redefining Ambition Without Losing Yourself

You work hard. You care. You want to grow, do more, be more. There’s pride in that—wanting to succeed. But sometimes, the line between ambition and self-abandonment starts to fade. You tell yourself it’s just a season, just this project, just one more quarter. Before you know it, you’re always tired, always behind, always somewhere else in your mind—even when you’re finally off the clock. That’s…

[unequalnomore]

From 'I Hate Mondays' to 'We Deserve Better': It's Time for Change

We've all said it: 'I hate Mondays.' But have you ever stopped to consider why this sentiment is so universal? It's not just about the day itself. It's about what Monday represents.

Monday is the start of another long week where our time isn't our own. It's the day we trade our freedom for a paycheck, knowing we won't get any real personal time until Saturday rolls around. For many of us, Monday marks the beginning of five days where we're essentially chained to our work, our schedules dictated by someone else's needs.

This isn't just about disliking work. It's about a system that demands the majority of our waking hours, leaving us with precious little time for anything else. We joke about it, saying things like 'living the dream' with a sarcastic eye roll, or counting down the hours until we can go home. But these jokes mask a deeper, more serious issue.

We've normalized a culture where it's expected to spend most of our lives working. The standard 40-hour workweek means that for five days out of seven, our primary focus is our job. We're left with evenings too short and too tired to truly enjoy, and weekends that fly by in a blink.

But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way. In an age of unprecedented productivity and technological advancement, why are we still adhering to a work structure established nearly a century ago? Many jobs don't actually require 40 hours a week of our time. So why have we accepted that people should work these long hours just to make ends meet?

Imagine a world where:

- People could earn a living wage working 20-30 hours a week

- We had more time for personal pursuits, family, and rest

- The Sunday night dread and Monday morning blues were a thing of the past

This isn't just a pipe dream. It's a real possibility, but only if we stop accepting the status quo and start demanding change.

So the next time you find yourself joking about hating Mondays or counting down to Friday, pause. Ask yourself: Why am I accepting this as normal? Why are we, as a society, okay with spending the majority of our lives waiting for the weekend?

It's time to stop joking and start taking action. We need to challenge this system that values our time so little. We need to push for shorter work weeks, better work-life balance, and wages that allow people to live, not just survive.

Let's turn our Monday morning complaints into a movement for change. Because life's too short to spend it wishing away five days of every week.

[ahhvernin]

FIY, almost every environmental educator or naturalist is a giant nerd and is just a 10 year old kid on an adult body suit who just happens to pay taxes. They can be 70 years old and they will light up and start singing and dancing about birds, or get super giddy about how to make a fishing fly out of carpet strands and cat whiskers to catch the coolest fish, and then show you pictures of a cool amphibian they found once, and the time they got to hold a (insert wild animal during biodiversity survey, rescue, rehab, release, randomly found event). And I guarantee you, they got a gimmick or two that they do with their students and audience that just hypes then up to tenth degree and all the other fellow educators, just on honors system, always credit them for it.

How do I know?

I once worked in that world and everyone knows and still talks about my paradise bird dance, my broken wing dance, my phrase pet the moss and high five trees, playing marco polo but with specific bird calls that I taught my students so i can find them almost anywhere if they are within ear shot, my phrase of "did you bring an extra socks?" And....."POCKET SNAAAAAACKS!"

Yes...the job satisfaction is high because you get to run around and play and be goofy all the time without being considered weird. Yes there's still paperwork, bureaucracy, and people who want to make your day a living hell. But if your audience leaves knowing at least ONE new thing, you've won.

I think the only person I've met in real life with 100% career satisfaction was this gal I knew who was a presenter at a children's science museum and delivered every line like she was running a WWE match. Every time you passed the room where she was giving a presentation, you'd hear something like "WHO'S READY FOR CEPHALOPODS?!?" and the kids would go absolutely nuts cheering.

[prawnlegs]

relationships!

[manuelnunezmd]

How to Make a Smooth Career Pivot: Tips for Changing Industries

🌟Ready for a career change? Make a smooth pivot with our expert tips on assessing skills, networking, and reskilling! #CareerTransition #JobSatisfaction

Introduction The Rising Trend of Career TransitionsIn today’s dynamic job market, career transitions have become increasingly common. Whether driven by personal interests, economic shifts, or the desire for better work-life balance, more professionals are considering pivoting to new industries. Dr. Lena Wu, a career coach with over a decade of experience, notes that the post-pandemic era has…