Reprinted from: LeanIn.org
By: Stephanie Taylor Christensen
(This is the sixth segment in a ten part series from LeanIn.org)
#6: YOU SCORED A HIGH PAYING JOB—AND HATE IT
In a TED Talk about motivation at work, behavioral economist Dan Ariely explains that most of us need to feel a sense of continual progress and purpose to stay motivated.
ULTIMATELY, A BAD BOSS CAN TEACH YOU BEHAVIORS TO AVOID AND HELP YOU ENVISION THE KIND OF LEADER YOU WANT TO BECOME.
That’s one reason why the initial high of landing a lucrative gig may quickly become the new normal and leave you feeling dissatisfied.
The Silver Lining Lesson: Don’t get us wrong—money is an important part of a job. It impacts when you can reach the financial goals that will deliver on the quality of life you desire. And what you earn now determines what you’ll command in your next gig.
But just as the thrill of a shopping spree wears off quickly, so does the elation of a high salary when the professional rewards are otherwise sparse.
Recognizing that income itself has a limited impact on how you feel each day can encourage you to reevaluate future opportunities with more honesty about what you really value and want in a job.
For instance, would you rather take a pay cut but report to an inspiring manager? Or bring home more dough but have to clock long days because of a competitive environment that prioritizes face time?
“A great work environment, work-life balance, room for growth, and a supportive corporate culture are all part of the motivation equation,” Toffolo says.
Check in tomorrow for Lesson #7!
