A new study that is based on data all the way from 1949 suggests that job satisfaction is reliant on the relationship with the people you are working with, rather than your interest in the work itself.
“To be satisfied with a job, you don’t have to worry too much about finding a perfect fit for your interests because we know other things matter too,” said Levin Hoff, an assistant professor of psychology at Houston University. “As long as it’s something you don’t hate doing, you may find yourself very satisfied if you have a good supervisor, like your coworkers, and are treated fairly by your organization.”
The analysis of 39,600 interviews conducted over 65 years also revealed that, although interest in the job may not matter in terms of satisfaction, it can help with career prospects.
Hoff adds that being interested in your work plays a role in job performance, as well as raises and promotions.
Although it has long been suggested by career guides to find a job that is within your interests, it may not be an indicator of long-term job satisfaction.
A study of 2,500 U.S. workers last year found that fewer than half of respondents said their satisfaction was dependent upon their pay or work-life balance. Instead, job security, paid holidays and workplace environment were seen as top priorities.
