Get Real

After returning from the tropical vacation of my dreams last week, I am back to the daily grind. With an article to write, our Grad issue deadlining and a looming Web update on my schedule, I barely had time to register my caffeine stock was running empty before I was back in the thick of things, and relaxing on the beach was a mere memory.

As I was proofreading an article with advice for new graduates, I came across this advice: "If you do not look forward to going to work every day, you are in the wrong profession, the wrong workplace or with the wrong people." I agree, to an extent.

We all know those people that complain about their jobs each and every day. Most of them eventually do move on. But others, due to circumstance or habit, remain, and their negativity can ruin a workplace environment. Absolutely, if your job has not lived up to any of your expectations; you dread going there every day; or you don't feel fulfilled, challenged or engaged: leave.

But-here's the but-make sure your expectations are realistic. It's common to have grand visions of all the great things you will do in a new career or position. The key to job satisfaction is finding something you enjoy, and being realistic. There will be parts of your job that you may not have considered and are less than thrilled with.

Compare the jobs you dreamed of as a child with the reality you can understand as an adult. Do marine biologists really spend all day playing games with Flipper? Do astronauts spend all their time moon bouncing on distant planets? Do firefighters move from house to house, dousing flames and saving lives? No. Most professionals spend most of their time on a myriad of everyday tasks, from training to paperwork, for a few days in the sun (or on Mars, or being hailed as a hero).

As long as you are being fulfilled, I think you're OK if every once in a while, you would rather be at your beach than behind the bench.