What makes a “Good Job” ?

Most of us need to work, if only to obtain money to enable us to live the life we desire. However money is not the only factor in what makes a good job. Indeed many people will talk about the jobs they have enjoyed, or careers they have experienced, without mentioning the money obtained. I though it would be worth balancing out the money focus by looking at the other factors which make up a “good job”, at least according to other people anyway. One report by the Work Foundation http://www.workfoundation.co.uk/assets/docs/publications/197_good_work_final2.pdf shows the following factors as valued :-



Characteristic of a Good Job (% identified as necessary)
Being valued/appreciated (getting credit for the work you do) 16%
Interesting/Fulfilling role/personally rewarding/Job satisfaction 16%
Autonomy/decision making/responsibility/Working conditions/environment (including location) 14%
Team working/staff morale 13%
Good management/management support/Training/staff development 11%
Enjoyable work 11%
Challenging/Variety 9%
Success/doing a good job/ achievement 8%
Meeting the needs of the customer/client 7%
Flexible (inc. working hours) 6%
Promotion prospects/advancement/Participate/contribution to decision making 5%
Skills/ability/equipment/tools to do the job/Other fringe benefits (eg healthcare) 3%
Clear objectives/goals/expectations/Good communication 2%


Another section lists 7 Key things that need to be in place to make up a “good job”
• Employment security;
• Work that is not characterised by monotony and repetition;
• Autonomy and control and task discretion;
• A balance between the efforts workers make and the rewards that they receive;
• Whether the workers have the skills they need to cope with periods of intense pressure;
• Workplace fairness;
• Strong workplace relationships (social capital).


Apart from the employment security aspect, (which is difficult to evaluate in many areas), how many of us consider the other aspects when looking at possible careers ? Something to ask when you are talking to anyone about their career and reflecting on whether it would be the right one for you. Of course in terms of job security the best investment is gaining skills, qualifications and knowledge which are in demand. This can involve lifelong learning and will enable you to change careers and explore new areas as you go though life. Adult & Graduate Guidance is key to this success and lifelong learning is already a part of many career areas though continuous professional development (CPD). Indeed some careers demand CPD as proof you can continue to do your job.


Some of these factors may change based on your age and interests, although getting and keeping a good job is always a challenge, it can be immensely rewarding. Of course it is not always possible to get exactly the job or career we want straight away, but as the saying goes “Until you find the work you enjoy, enjoy the work you find”. It will help you learn more about what you do want to do and help to pay the bills whilst you are searching