How to Tell if You Enjoy Your Job or if It’s Just a Paycheck

Do you love your job? Or has that honeymoon phase of your first job out of college transitioned instead to a dull and monotonous everyday chore? When asked what you do, do your eyes glaze over momentarily before you desperately try to change the subject? Are you going places in your career? Or just cashing it in?

If doubts—whether small or substantial—about your job are becoming a more frequent part of your daily life, perhaps it’s time to really reflect on your situation.

Below are some key scenarios you should consider. Figure out which attitude applies to you, and then discover whether you’re simply cashing it in or busting your tail.

Scenario 1: Meetings with your boss are…

…Like a mandatory “let’s-get-nothing-accomplished” time. Sometimes you speed up your pace as you walk past your boss’ office, hoping you’ll pass unnoticed. But when your cloak fails and you get called in for a meeting, it’s often unproductive. These get-togethers are generally one-sided, and you might be better off without them.

…A helpful way to catch up. Sometimes they wrap up in a few minutes. Other times they last for an hour. Either way, you both get a chance to speak your mind and provide updates, ultimately walking away with a sense of accomplishment.

Scenario 2: If you had to analyze how you use the Internet at work, it would break down to be something like…

…60 percent work-related, 40 percent goofing off. Between messaging your friends and watching the occasional video of a puppy jogging on a treadmill, it’s easy to get sidetracked while browsing the web. The Internet is obviously an important resource for your job, but it’s becoming more and more of a distraction.

…90 percent work-related, 10 percent leisure. If you sit within a ten-foot radius of a computer, you’d need the self-control of a Shaolin monk to not browse the web every now and then. It’s simply too awesome to avoid completely. But you’re not abusing its awesomeness; you just need the occasional five-minute mental break.

Scenario 3: When you contemplate your future with the company, the words that run through your mind are…

…”Raise,” “two,” “weeks,” and “notice.” You used to care about performance reviews and climbing the ladder. Then you realized there’s no ladder to climb. In fact, it’s more of a balance beam, forcing you to move laterally from one job title to the next – without advancement. You know your future is elsewhere and you’re biding your time until another opportunity comes your way.

…“More responsibility,” ”promotion,” and “managerial role.” Admittedly, you probably won’t stay with this company forever. It’s your first job out of college, and you’ve never subscribed to the notion of “love at first sight.” That being said, there’s room to grow within the company, so you’ll likely stay onboard for a few years, work your way up, and use the experience as a springboard for the rest of your career.

Scenario 4: If you were offered your bosses job, you’d think to yourself…

…”The raise would be nice, but there’s no way I want to be in charge of this mess.” You don’t plan on sticking around for years to come, and accepting a managerial role would tie you down. Plus, you’re not fully invested in the company or its mission; inspiring others would be a tough task to say the least.

…”Finally!” Mental confetti is flying, the imaginary band is playing, and you’re riding atop an elephant to your celebratory parade. Someone hand this boss a cocktail. You’ve been working hard, and you’re happy your efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

Scenario 5: Your interaction with your co-workers is…

…Your job’s saving grace. You like your teammates, and you can get through the day as long as they’re by your side. Without them, though, a day on the job would feel like a bear mauling your soul.

…A huge perk, but not your only lifeline. Everyone gets along, exchanges weekend stories, and drinks the occasional beer together. But there are many other reasons why you enjoy showing up to work. The overall culture is vibrant and fun, so you wouldn’t be heartbroken if one good friend left the company.

Honorable mentions: Miscellaneous ways to tell if you’re…

…Cashing it in:

–       Your lunch breaks consistently push one hour or longer.

–       Your shift drags on like an eight-hour, black-and-white silent movie.

–       You just had a 30-minute daydream, snapping out of it only to realize you were staring at an uncomfortable co-worker.

…Dedicated to the job:

–       You’ve recommended an open position to a friend.

–       You’ve volunteered to mentor new hires.

LiveCareer (www.livecareer.com), home to America’s #1 Resume Builder, connects job seekers of all experience levels and career categories to all the tools, resources, and insider tips needed to win the job. Check out LiveCareer’s Google+ page and like LiveCareer on Facebook for advice and tips on all things career- and resume related.