How To Work a Job That Works For You

Finnegan Pierson

Work is one of the eternal constants of human existence. One does a job that he or she doesn’t necessarily want to do in order to make money or otherwise survive. Work is a fact of life. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to do a job that you don’t like. It can be tricky at times to find a job that’s a good fit for you, but it’s possible, and it’s worth pursuing. Here are a few things to take into consideration in order to make your job work for you.

The Schedule

The standard 8 hour work day is often referred to as “the nine to five,” because 9 am to 5 pm is a common work day. However, there are a wide variety of 8 hour shifts in practice already, and your work day doesn’t have to fit into the 8 hours, and it could be multiple days at a time. The vast array of time frames that a work day could occupy offers you a surprising amount of freedom when selecting a potential job. For instance, many establishments are open 24/7, which is really good news for a night owl. If you tend to be up all night at the expense of your work day, consider taking an overnight shift for your next job. Another unconventional option you have in this regard is an irregular schedule. Trucking jobs, for example, tend to have a driver working one very long shift every now and then. There are also many online jobs that have no predetermined schedules and allow you to work as much or as little as you want, within reason.

The Commute

Traveling to and from work is a necessary evil for most, but there are variations in this regard, as well, that can make a job a better or worse fit for you. For instance, many people who live in city suburbs will commute longer distances to work in the city, because the commute is worth doing every day for the sake of a bigger salary. On the other side of the tracks, you might take a job that pays less if it means you can walk to work. Most online jobs offer work remotely so that traveling to and from work isn’t an issue at all. It all comes down to a balancing act in which you afford yourself a better commute at the expense of pay, better pay at the expense of a lengthy commute, or find a middle ground, all taking into consideration your circumstances and location.

The Actual Job

While most people simply take what’s available and have to live with it, which is fine, there are more niche job options that can play into your interests. While not everyone can be a rockstar, for instance, you could work in a music store. That connection to the work tends to be a big morale boost that can thoroughly improve your mood and, therefore, your productivity. While it can be harder to find a job when you apply a filter based on your interests, it’s entirely possible to find a position that is a natural fit for you. As with any field of work, continuing to work in the same field will make you a more appealing candidate for that kind of work, so consider investing early into making a career out of it.

While everyone needs to work to meet their needs, work doesn’t have to be a grind. With the countless options available in the job market, there’s a position out there that works for you, and if your job works for you, you’ll do a better job. As they say, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”