How to Search for Jobs You’ll Keep

December 28, 2021 | Career Blog

Job hunting can be difficult at the best of times, and it can get even more complicated when you’re searching for something more than just a paycheck. So how do you know which job will not only pay you enough to live comfortably but will also make you happy?

When it comes to the study of human motivation, psychologists have turned to the work of Abraham Maslow since 1943. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs describes the different levels of satisfaction one can get, and most importantly, the order they need to be achieved. So let’s look at how we can use these same principles to show you how to search for jobs you’ll keep.

Physical Necessities

It may seem obvious, but the first needs you have to satisfy are the basic physical ones. If you don’t have food, clothing, and shelter, nothing else really matters. Therefore, any job that doesn’t meet this essential requirement for your living situation isn’t worth considering.

Many people who are tired of their current job because it’s ‘nothing more than a paycheck’ are likely stuck at this level. If you’re only fulfilling the bottom tier of your needs at work, you aren’t likely to keep the job.

Safety and Security

Once your basic physical needs are met, you’ll soon want also to feel safe at work. This doesn’t only refer to physical safety but also financial security. Are you worried that you’ll be laid off at any moment? Will the company be sold and dismantled? Questions like this lead to a feeling of insecurity that will leave you unsatisfied at work.

Physical safety does play a part in this too. You need to feel comfortable at your place of work, or you’ll never be happy there. If you have concerns over safety rules, working conditions, or your ability to evacuate in the event of a natural disaster, you aren’t meeting your safety and security needs.

Social Needs

Another critical aspect of job satisfaction is your need for social belonging. That doesn’t mean that you have to be friends with everyone at work, but it does help. These social needs are more about a sense of camaraderie, belonging to a team, and being a part of something bigger than yourself.

Workers in cubicles often have a hard time feeling anything but isolation at work. Without their social needs met, workers are incredibly likely to find employment elsewhere. After all, they don’t feel any connection to the job. Finding a workplace that has a strong sense of teamwork is crucial to long-term job satisfaction.

Esteem

The next crucial factor of job satisfaction is all about self-esteem. People need to feel respected and appreciated if they’re going to be happy. Without self-esteem, you’re likely to develop a feeling of inferiority.

While your employer can help you develop good self-esteem at work through recognition programs such as Employee of the Month, long-term satisfaction only comes from more substantial sources. Look for a job that rewards good work with promotion and additional perks if you want the best chance for success in this area.

Self-Actualization

Finally, you need to find a job that offers you the opportunity for self-actualization. Self-actualization is the feeling that you are living up to your full potential. The more your job incorporates your skills and experience, the more likely you are to feel fulfilled.

A good employer can help you to make the most out of your skillset. If you want a job you’ll keep for a long time, look for an employer that not only wants to put you in the best possible position but will even adapt the job description to take advantage of your talents.

Find Your Ideal Job

At Allegiance Staffing, we make it our mission to match workers with positions that not only align with their skills and experience but also their career aspirations. Take a look at some of our resources for job seekers and take the first step toward the job of your dreams.