What's Your Ideal Job?

It's been on my mind of late. What is my "ideal job?" 

It was asked of me at the latest SheSays Chicago event that I was mentoring. What came out of my mouth was less of a litany of "business speak," and more what I would call my "life-lessons" answer.

After 25 years of working in an industry, knowing most of the players, forming friendships that have lasted as long, and learned an immense/divergent amount of lessons, I'm left with answering..."A job that brings me peace of mind."

Here are the top 5 things I would look for in a job hunt:

1. I can contribute to the company. My skills would enhance or add to the companies current status. I would be a valued member of the team.
2. I like those I've interviewed with. I would have to leave an interview with a feeling of respect or camaraderie with the people I'd be working for/with in this position. I've learned to trust my gut, after a couple of missteps in my past. If I don't believe what they're saying, if I get the feeling I'm getting a "sales" job, I'm probably going to pass. 
3. I can learn something new. When we stop learning, and think we know it all, we are useless. Life is lessons in the road you travel, and you should always be willing and eager to learn. If there's no real path of growth, and I don't necessarily mean in "title," then it won't be good for either of us. 
4. I can have a work/life balance. I've worked several places now that touted "work/life balance," and they still have no clue what that means. It means, you can have a life while you are still effective and contributing at work. The two things should be able to coexist. Yes, there will be times you need to work later, and yes, there will be times you need to leave early for a concert. But you should never be averaging 55-65 hours a week consistently, and be made to feel you're not doing enough or managing your time, when it's the actual workload that is at issue.
5. Peace of mind. Sounds etherial, right? But it's the main requirement for me, at this time in my life. It is the culmination of the top 4. If those all come together, #5 is the result.

It has to be...we are struggling everyday. I see it in big agencies, I see it in small not-for-profits. Struggling to find the balance, to feel worthwhile, to feel like you're contributing, having those contributions appreciated, finding time for your family, your friends.

We live in a capitalistic society, and we have to work to survive and thrive. But how we work, how we contribute, what we'll offer, and what we'll need... that's identified by "us." 

Find your top 5 things that will holistically make your life better, since you have to work. Look at what it is you want, in the end. 

I want more time with my family. I want more moments to share with them. I want more opportunities to have shared experiences, like seeing the pyramids or  seeing the Northern lights in Alaska. And I want a job that will be fulfilling and where I can contribute and make a difference...and then, ultimately, I'll find peace of mind.