When you think about your career management and you job satisfaction, there are key points to consider all over your career that can support you in taking career decisions. Below are the most important ones from my point of view:
- On the top of my points is the values. Do the decisions you are required to take in your daily job aligned with you values?
- Your preferences about organization scale. Most of the candidates dream to work for great organizations and build a career there. But it is not a rule apply for all. Others may prefer small organization in which they can show up easily.
- Do you know what is next in your career? Can you identify a clear action plan to be ready to that next step? Does the organization supports you in learning and closing the gap getting you ready to achieve your dream? By the way, It is not important if your next step will be vertical or horizontal move. But the only important is that it is aligned with you passion.
- Do you regularly receive effective feedback on your performance? Effective feedback sessions is key process in your development because it is not only aligning your business targets to organization targets but also identify where and how you can improve resulting in specific development plans.
- What is the level of empowerment and delegation that you have allowing you to achieve your full potential?
- Are you fairly compensated for your contribution towards organization success? Please note that when talking about compensation you shall not fall in the trap of the misconception that it is all about salary. Salary is important part of the compensation but it will remain only part. One of the main models I suggest if you read about it is maslow's hierarchy of needs which you have to identify on it where are you well compensated and where you want to explore more options.
- Does the work/life balance is aligned with your needs? Even some people may negotiate reducing salary in return for less working hours if applicable.
The points above are only examples that I see it is smart to consider when you think about your job satisfaction.