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Jennifer Openshaw
Jan. 22, 2010, 12:01 a.m. EST · Recommend (3) · Post:
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Too many bulls sabotaged gold
By Jennifer Openshaw
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Only 45% of Americans are satisfied with their job, according to a new study. That means a whopping 55% aren't so happy, even if they feel lucky to be drawing a paycheck.
There's a variety of reasons, according to the Conference Board study, including:
"¢ Jobs that aren't considered very interesting.
"¢ Incomes failing to keep up with inflation.
"¢ The soaring cost of health insurance eating into workers' take-home pay.
But it's not just that jobs are less interesting. It's all the pressure on those who are working, thanks to fewer positions to get the same work done. Plus, the trickle-down effect: How can you expect to have a good relationship with your boss when he's also feeling the stress? And how about the added competitiveness all of this can create among your peers? No wonder fewer people are satisfied with their bosses and co-workers.
President Barack Obama speaks about his financial-reform plan, which includes getting banks back to the basics of serving customers. Video courtesy of Fox News.
"There's the old saying that our grandparents had jobs, our parents had careers, and we all want a calling," says Robert Pagliarini, a financial planner and author of "The Other 8 Hours." "We put so much emphasis on our jobs that we think they're supposed to provide us this enrichment in life. Often they just provide a paycheck. It's all about our expectations."
So if this is the new economy, at least over the next few years, what can you change? How can you manage your expectations -- and your time -- to bring meaning to other parts of your life?
Pagliarini suggests we budget our time much like our money. Make a list of all the things you're doing during the eight hours you have outside of work or sleep. With each, ask yourself if you should: Postpone it; eliminate it, reduce it, or keep it. The first letter of each item adds up to PERK, so it's easy to remember.
Take Pagliarini. He found he had to postpone his Spanish lessons to get his book done. How about American Idol? Maybe it's time to eliminate it. And, if you're among those spending four hours a day watching TV, I bet you'd be able to reduce that, too.
The process sounds simplistic, but it works. And it's similar to the kind of mental exercise I go through when trying to manage my own time. Raise the bar on how you spend your time, and you'll have more of it to focus on what you truly care about.
Once you make room in the eight hours outside of work and sleep, you can now "follow your bliss." "Focus on those things that are a source of inspiration," Pagliarini says. "If you like writing, start blogging. Or invent. Many things you're passionate about can make money."
That's not always the case -- making money, that is. Still, creating from a passion can bring satisfaction and even improve your mindset when you are on the job. Maybe you can't control much at work, but you can when it's your outside vocation, whether it's starting up a dieting newsletter or taking your singing to a new level.
Whether you're a boss or employee, relationships matter. The Conference Board study found that 51% are satisfied with their bosses, down from 55% from last year and 60% two years ago. The trends are similar for co-workers.
"Companies should make sure that even though times are tough, they build that employee relationship with get-togethers and having fun," Pagliarini says. "Otherwise, as soon as the economy turns around, they'll leave."
And remember, good relationships, other studies show, can help us live longer, more satisfying lives.
Whether you decide to focus on improving relationships at work or building new ones, you'll need them in this new economy. They might be the bridge to your next job, or to taking your passion to a whole new level.
Jennifer Openshaw, a nationally recognized entrepreneur and financial commentator, is author of " The Millionaire Zone ." Through SuperFutures.org , she offers a youth leadership program at the United Nations to help teens turn learning into impact. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter @jopenshaw or email at jennifer@familyfn.com .
- OldYeller | 1:34 a.m. Today1:34 a.m. Jan. 22, 2010
Lots of reasons have been given for gold's big losses over the last few trading sessions. Here's another: Gold timers' sentimemtn was far too eager earlier this month.
1:33 p.m. Today1:33 p.m. Jan. 22, 2010 | Comments: 11
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