Job satisfaction
Being in my third school in 12 months, I’ve had an opportunity that I suspect few of us ever have. I know I wouldn’t VOLUNTARILY have three different jobs in 12 months, but I have learned, and continue to learn, so much that I think all of the stress and anxiety will be worthwhile in the long run. I’m learning what factors really make a difference when it comes to job satisfaction. The kids are always a large part of the equation, but there are many other factors that make a difference, and money has little to do with it.
I think that the most important thing I’ve learned is how much it means to be valued and appreciated. This is not to say that previous employers did not value the library, but that value wasn’t always evident. How many of us go about our daily lives and take the people around us for granted? I have to admit that I don’t think I ever really expressed to my assistants know how much I appreciated them. I did give gifts at Christmas and the end of the year and often brought treats, but I rarely, if ever, verbalized my appreciation. How often do we make it a point to recognize a job well done? Or to just let people know that they have made difference in out lives? I’m trying to make it a point to do more of that.
Yesterday I was at the grocery store and the clerk was delightfully cheerful and pleasant. Last year I would have thanked her and gone about my business. Yesterday I stopped at the customer service desk and made a point to let the manager know that I appreciated the clerk. When I stopped I could tell they were bracing for a complaint. To observe the change in expression as I had my say made it all the more worthwhile. It was obvious that compliments are few and far between for them. Think of those people who make your life easier or more pleasant. Those who are often overlooked. Try complimenting them sometime. It’s fun. It’s actually kind of a selfish act because it feels so good to make someone else feel good.
