What are the most effective ways to evaluate job satisfaction in a new career?

1 Reflect on your motivation

One of the first steps to evaluate your job satisfaction is to reflect on your motivation for changing careers. What were the reasons that led you to pursue a different path? What were you looking for in your new job? How well does your current job match your initial motivation? For example, if you switched careers to have more autonomy, creativity, or impact, do you feel that your new job gives you those opportunities? If you changed careers to escape a toxic or boring situation, do you feel that your new job is better or worse in terms of culture, relationships, and challenges? By comparing your motivation and your reality, you can gain insight into your satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

2 Use a rating scale

Another way to evaluate your job satisfaction is to use a rating scale to measure different aspects of your work. You can use a simple scale from 1 to 10, where 1 means very dissatisfied and 10 means very satisfied, or a more nuanced scale with labels such as strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, or strongly disagree. You can rate various dimensions of your job, such as the tasks, the skills, the compensation, the feedback, the growth, the balance, the meaning, and the fit. You can also rate your overall satisfaction with your job and your career. By using a rating scale, you can quantify your feelings and identify your strengths and weaknesses.

3 Seek feedback from others

A third way to evaluate your job satisfaction is to seek feedback from others who can offer different perspectives and insights. You can ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, mentors, clients, or friends who know you well and who can give you honest and constructive feedback. You can ask them how they perceive your performance, your attitude, your engagement, and your potential in your new job. You can also ask them how they feel about their own job satisfaction and what factors influence it. By seeking feedback from others, you can validate or challenge your own views and learn from their experiences and advice.

4 Experiment with changes

A fourth way to evaluate your job satisfaction is to experiment with changes that can enhance your work experience and satisfaction. You can try to modify some aspects of your job that are within your control, such as your schedule, your priorities, your goals, your communication, or your learning. You can also explore new opportunities that can add value to your job, such as taking on new projects, joining new teams, attending new events, or acquiring new skills. By experimenting with changes, you can test your assumptions, discover your preferences, and increase your motivation and happiness.

5 Review your progress

A fifth way to evaluate your job satisfaction is to review your progress and achievements in your new career. You can set some milestones and indicators that can help you track your development and results. You can also keep a journal or a portfolio that can document your work, your feedback, your learning, and your reflections. By reviewing your progress, you can celebrate your successes, recognize your challenges, and adjust your plans and expectations.

Evaluating your job satisfaction in a new career is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, feedback, experimentation, and review. By using these methods, you can gain a deeper understanding of your work and yourself, and make informed decisions about your career and your happiness.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?