Like most people, you will probably spend a significant portion of your life working. Choosing a job that makes you happy will have a big impact on your wellbeing. As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close, here are some tips on what to consider when finding a job that’s right for you.
Company’s Culture of Wellbeing
Reading up on an organisation's ethos will give you a sense of what it’s like to work there. An ethos could be family-centred or could value the way you spend your time outside of work. Some organisations provide health insurance or gym memberships to ensure you stay healthy. Other companies encourage a work-life balance and support flexible working hours to suit your needs. Think about what matters to you in a job.
Inclusivity
Think about whether the organisation is inclusive. Do you feel like you belong? Some companies have employee groups for people with similar interests or backgrounds. This can provide support when joining an organisation and help you embed into it. It's also worth asking yourself if the organisation encourages a range of perspectives, cultures and ideas. Asking these questions is important, as it reveals a lot about the organisational culture.
Look Closely at the Job Description
Does the job you’re looking at sound like you and the way you work? Finding the best occupation for you involves some reflection. For example, it’s worth considering how you like to carry out tasks – are you more independent or do you prefer working in a group with other people? Do you like the adrenaline rush of project-driven deadlines or do you prefer a steadier pace?
Do a Job That Makes You Proud
Whether it’s selling delicious food to customers, teaching gym classes or designing buildings for people to live in, make sure it’s something you feel happy doing. Being inspired by your work will affect your wellbeing as a whole and will help you to keep motivated.
Work and Life Balance
Although we all hope for our dream job, remember it is not the 'be all and end all' if you don't get there right away - or even at all. Having the right balance can help you enjoy life both in and out of work.
Make sure you think about how you want to spend your time. Do you mind working on weekends or evenings? Is it important that your working hours are fairly predictable? Finding a job that meets your work-life balance expectations is, for many people, a dream job in itself. Having the freedom to use your time as you please - whether that's spending time with family and friends or relaxing by yourself, will create variety in your life and help you to feel more satisfied in your career.
Getting Support
If you struggle with your mental health and want to know how best to approach finding a job, check out this page from the charity Rethink Mental Illness:
If you would like any mental health support, you can contact the charity MIND: