essay about a job you think is rewarding

• November 8, 2023
• Education Advice

Passion vs Money: Should You Choose a Job You Love or One That Pays?

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Passion vs. money—this is an internal debate that everyone has at some point in their life. On one side, you probably hear parents, relatives, or even strangers telling you to be realistic and find a job that pays well . But on the other side, there are friends or even TED talks of successful people telling you that “following your passion is the secret of success.” And, only naturally, you feel confused and anxiously question whether you should follow your passion blindly with little chance to get money from it or choose a career that you don’t even like just because the job itself seems promising for your future.

But, even so, following your desires can leave a sense of well-being and happiness in everything you do. While there is no doubt that this is a question of opportunity and the hand you’ve been dealt with, following one’s passion seems more appealing to most.  However, how to know the line between when it’s unproductive to pursue a career you’re passionate about and a different (financially better) route?

Benefits of Choosing a Career You Love

In the world we live in today, money is definitely a powerful tool, but choosing to chase it often comes at the price of not being able to do something you love and look forward to every day.

This ancient dilemma is by no means black and white; there are many benefits to a dream job in the grey area. It is worth noting that should you choose to pursue your passion, workdays will seem less monotonous, and there won’t be a dull feeling washing over you when the alarm clock rings. The phrase, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” may seem like a washed-out cliche, but it does hold some truth in it.

In terms of higher motivation, doing the job more effortlessly and passionately, you can see how that sentence got so famous. It’s true that a day of work still remains a day of work, whether you like the job or not. However, the small factors in and around it do change and ultimately have an impact on our overall sense of self.

Career growth

Growth in a career is more probable when the job consists of things that motivate you. You won’t simply be finishing tasks and not thinking about them, nor waiting for the clock to strike five (if you’re doing a 9 to 5 job), so you can leave your workplace. It seems like a minor thing, but it plays a vital role in how far you go in your career. Hence you will be looking for more creative ways to do your job and spot details that you wouldn’t have if you didn’t put your heart into it.

Being passionate about work

Being passionate is directly linked to being productive. If it really is something you’re passionate about, there is a sense of being content with what you have accomplished during the work hours and beyond. The by-product of your work will be something you take pride in, and that will serve in giving you a reason to keep doing it.

Obviously, loving what you do brings in motivation because it is activated by your own desires rather than material gains. Oftentimes in life, we can find ourselves lacking the motivation to do anything, but if someone presents us with something we enjoy, it will possibly make us get out of bed and get working. HuffPost tells the tale of Richard Weinberg , a man who found that salsa was his passion at 49 years old. This discovery led to him participating in multiple dance categories, and it gave him a sense of purpose in his life.

Better health

How much you enjoy your job primarily affects your mental health, as doing something you don’t like on a daily will eventually start to consume you. On the other hand, doing something you enjoy waking up for in the morning can help you not only feel better but even get lost in the work if you’re having problems in other areas of your life. According to a study , the time spent engaging in our passions contributes to lower stress and our happiness. Your work can be some sort of an escape. And when it plays out like this, your productivity may increase due to the focus you shift on your job.

Pleasure in the work environment

It’s no secret that a career you’re passionate about will, in most cases, provide you with a more pleasurable work environment. Chances are that your coworkers will be like-minded, and besides the working part, you’ll have fun during the hours spent interacting with them. Even without that, there is comfort in spending time in a place that has intentions that coincide with yours.

Fulfillment

It goes without saying that you feel fulfilled when you work on something meaningful to you. And especially after achieving the end goal of it. Obstacles you find on your way won’t be as relevant because you will always find a creative way around them. We spend most of our days working, and that alone should be a reason to follow something that leaves us with a feeling of satisfaction during the hours we put in.

Disadvantages of Doing What You Love

As with anything in life, choosing to follow your dream has another side to the coin. While it can turn into something beautiful and life-changing, there’s also the possibility of not being in tune with the current market. Thus, either not allowing you to make a living out of it or make as much as you would ideally want.

According to Forbes , when we tell people to follow their passion, we assume they have one, which is not always the case. There are people whose passions change over time, and that is entirely normal. Plus, you can have interests that aren’t necessarily something you love but merely something you find appealing and intriguing that can also serve as a money-making career.

Now, although it is mostly a personal issue whether you choose to chase your dreams or focus on a career relevant to today’s market, here are some disadvantages of doing what you love.

Your passion might turn into a job

This is a big risk when you start pursuing your dream. We know that work can sometimes be stressful, and it may seem as if deadlines are hovering over our heads, and that treads dangerously close to turning us against our passion. At some point, your passion may not be something you do for yourself, but something that brings in the paycheck at the end of the month, and it can lose the shine it once had.

Another risk you will be taking is that your dream career does not have a promising job outlook . Sure, if your passion lies in IT or business , it is likely that you will be getting a steady salary out of something you enjoy doing. However, more times than not, people have passions that either don’t pay well or the industry is too big to penetrate, which can be problematic and discourage them from pursuing it.

Passions can change

Although this is not always the case, for many people, passions change over time, especially if they have roots in their early years. It’s by no means a bad thing, but it can intervene in your life if you have chosen to pursue your passion as a career. Because we are continually developing and learning new skills , it can be hard to say if your fascination with a certain field may fade over time, but to some, that’s just a risk worth taking.

Benefits of Choosing a Career with a High Salary

For some people, doing what they love and earning enough money for a normal life don’t go hand in hand. For others, it’s a matter of either not having a passion or growing out of a dream they once had. Consequently, these reasons make a high-paying career a valuable option. It is understood that without a steady income, it’s unlikely that passion will be the thing you want to follow.

Of course, following one’s dreams has the emotional rewards that a job that pays your bills is unlikely to offer, but if you aren’t able to afford rent or pay off your student debt, maybe it’s time to postpone your passion and focus on solutions. We’ve all heard that money can’t buy happiness, but is that phrase completely true?

There are many things money can’t buy, but sometimes having it can make many of our problems go away, which is why there’s a list of benefits to choosing a job that provides us with a high salary.

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The obvious one: money

As stated above, this is a prominent perk of choosing to seek a job that will pay you well. A study shows that money can be associated with happiness, but not in the way you’d think. The study shows that people making under $75,000 a year tend to have lower happiness levels. However, past that point, money doesn’t seem to have an effect on the human brain., Furthermore, having a steady income influences our mental and physical health. It is undoubtedly more comfortable knowing that you don’t have to worry about the price of something you like and how you will make ends meet from month to month.

People tend to respect those who are well off. Although it’s considered as an artificial way of gaining respect by some, most of the time, it works. Generally, a high income is associated with success, and we tend to respect successful people. In addition, there is a correlation between “important work” and high salaries, which leads us to think that only a high-paid job is respectable.

There is safety with high income, no doubt. You won’t have to worry about many things that take money to acquire. Plus, a high-earning career is oftentimes placed in a big industry that isn’t going anywhere, so you can find employment opportunities just about anywhere. Keeping your work away from monetary vulnerability is vital, especially when you have a family to take into consideration or other matters of importance to you.

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Disadvantages of Doing Work That Pays Well, But You Don’t Like

As good as money and safety sound, there is a downside to pursuing a career in a field you simply have no connection with. For starters, it will never feel as if you are close to living your dream unless, of course, that dream consists of a high-paying job that you don’t exactly like.

It’s hard to enjoy working in a place that doesn’t seem to motivate you to do the job well, and even when the working hours aren’t long, they are likely to seem so. When you’re stuck performing tasks you see no point in, you may lose focus on working on your skills and may feel lost in the job.

Most well-paying jobs can cast a lot of pressure, especially when it isn’t something you feel excited about, and that can have an impact on your view of life.

Long working hours

Jobs that offer a high payday often tend to go hand-in-hand with long working hours. Even when they don’t, to see that large number at the end of the month, you will probably have to put in a few extra hours, and that can be tiring. This is not always the case, but when it is, it can leave you little to no time to do anything else apart from work. A survey has found that executives and managers with smartphones—who are all well compensated—tend to spend 13.5 hours a workday interacting with work.

Usually, in the world of big money, there is a lot of competition and a lot of things changing rapidly. You have to constantly chase the next big thing and keep fighting for your position within the organization. However, this is not the case with every job, and maybe yours doesn’t really come with this downside. But for those it does, the pressure can oftentimes be overwhelming.

Not focusing on skills

Money-focused jobs are mostly concentrated on making the best out of the skills you already possess. Meanwhile, with a job you start out with because of your love for it, you will probably take time in developing and nurturing skills, like critical thinking , that can guarantee long-term success. Nevertheless, there are jobs out there that guarantee a good salary as well as skill training programs.

How to Decide Between a Job for Money vs. Passion

Choosing between money vs. passion is an ancient dilemma that troubles the minds of many people all over the world to this day. The stakes are pretty high as only a handful of people are fortunate enough to find a job that pays well and fulfills them. This is backed by research, too; According to a survey by Harris Interactive , only 20 percent of people across America feel passionate about their jobs. On the other hand, Pew Research Center found that about half (49%) of American employees are very satisfied with their job.

So, should you try and settle for a promising career without much passion, or should you risk it for a job that you love and fulfills you? Well, there is no simple yes or no answer to this question, and there are many important factors to consider before deciding between a job for money vs. passion. We will try to help you with this critical decision, so keep reading to learn how to choose between a job you love and career growth.

Making money vs. doing what you love: things to consider when choosing

Both of the options have a yin and yang, and sometimes deciding between the two can seem like mission impossible. But, that shouldn’t be the case, and it won’t be if you study your options closely and decide based on facts and feelings equally.

At the end of the day, isn’t your fulfillment and ability to say that you’re happy with your choices the most important thing?

However, it’s not that simple; there are many things to take into consideration when making such a big decision for the path in which you want your life to follow. You have to look at all sides carefully and then decide how and what you should be doing and do it.

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Earning potential

Before diving into a field of interest, you should consider the earning potential it offers. There is a chance that your passion has great pay on the menu as well. Yet, the time when you should consider putting your passion aside—not forgetting it—is when you know you won’t be able to afford it. If it keeps you from life’s necessities, then you can always opt for treating it as a hobby, giving it your free time of the day, and making money in another field.

What you want from life

This is honestly the most crucial element in your decision-making process. Maybe you want to turn your passion into a job you love, but there is a chance that you want to keep far away from responsibilities and only enjoy it in your leisure time. Neither of these is incorrect; it’s merely a point of view. Clearly, none of us are absolutely sure in what we want from our lives in every aspect of it, but having a slight idea might help you come to a conclusion with this dilemma.

Sometimes, you can do both

Doing both does not have one final meaning. It could be that your dream job just so happens to be a career that makes you more than enough money, or you follow passion at the same time as following a different work pathway. Maybe you get lucky and make money off of a passion that you thought would take you nowhere, or you happen to fall in love with a job that you didn’t feel strongly towards at first; the possibilities are endless.

Choosing between a beloved field or the one that will pay your bills can sometimes send you into a spiral of thoughts that is hard to get out of. However, it is a significant decision that will follow you for the most part of your life. When making this judgment, you should look into all the advantages and disadvantages that come with either one of the possibilities. From money and stability to happiness and fulfillment, these all play a role in this puzzle. But, most importantly, remember to listen to the logic and your heart simultaneously because they generally come up with the best verdict together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is it better to love your job or make more money.

The answer to this question definitely depends on your priorities and values. Some prioritize job satisfaction and fulfillment over a higher salary, while others prioritize financial stability and security. Ultimately, the answer will vary from person to person.

Is salary more important than passion?

There is no universal answer to whether salary is more important than passion. Your decision should be based on your individual circumstances, values, and goals. It’s important to strike a balance that aligns with your overall well-being and allows you to lead a fulfilling life.

Should I follow my career or passion?

It’s possible to find fulfillment and success by aligning your career with your passion, but it may require some creativity, perseverance, and adaptability. The key is to make a decision that aligns with your values, goals, and circumstances and that ultimately brings you satisfaction and happiness in the long run.

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MockQuestions

Teamwork-Related Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your job interview, here are 25 interview questions that are focused on your teamwork skills.

Teamwork was updated by Rachelle Enns on February 23rd, 2021. Learn more here.

Question 2 of 25

Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?

How to answer, answer example.

Community Answers

The interviewer wants to hear that you feel accomplished through teamwork. Talk about a time when you felt fulfilled through a team setting or project collaboration. An example may be a time when you worked on a team project in University, a recent work collaboration, or possibly an extracurricular experience such as coaching a little league team. Discuss the positive results of the teamwork and how you attained a positive outcome as a group.

"The most rewarding teamwork experience that I have had was in my last year of university. We had a project due, in teams of 4, which accounted for quite a large part of our grade. I believe everyone pulled more than their weight because so much was at stake. Teamwork is very rewarding when everyone has something significant to win, or lose."

"One of my most rewarding teamwork experiences was while I was attending University. I learned so much by working with my classmates. I gained new problem-solving skills and learned a lot from their research preferences."

"My business development team was not getting along, so I collaborated with a team-building service, where we had a day full of development exercises, meant to draw our team closer to each other by developing a sense of trust and camaraderie. This experience was incredibly rewarding because I saw relationships and bonds quickly form. I had a plan in place for keeping the momentum over time, which also worked well."

"Our marketing team recently worked on a major campaign for a well-known brand. It was by far the biggest project in my portfolio. I was the junior copywriter on the project and delivered amazing work, not just because I always strive to do my best, but because the more senior members of the team believed in my work. Their encouragement and faith in my work were all I needed to elevate my work even further."

"Last Christmas, we were short staffed, and run off of our feet during the biggest shopping season of the year. The struggle, the overtime hours, but also the excitement of huge sales numbers, put our team on a type of high that I had not seen before. It was pure adrenaline and super exciting. This experience is by far the best team environment in which I have ever worked. I loved the excitement and the way we all banded together to ensure the success of our store."

"The position I am currently in has been my first experience leading a team. We have knocked some seriously crazy numbers out of the park, becoming the pacesetters for many product launches. It's been exciting to see everyone flourish. I love to see everyone succeed. It's encouraging and exhilarating."

"I approach many class projects as team-based efforts, putting students into groups with kids they may not normally choose to work alongside. It is highly rewarding to see new friendships develop while helping my students to expand their views of who they can, and should, be friends with."

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How to Answer: Tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. What made it so rewarding?

2. tell me about the most rewarding experience you have had, working in a team environment. what made it so rewarding.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Written by Rachelle Enns on October 9th, 2020

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

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• Career Planning
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• Interview Strategies

How to Answer "What Was Most and Least Rewarding About Your Last Job?"

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

How to answer the question, tips for giving the best response.

• What Not to Say
• Possible Follow-Up Questions

Interview questions about what was most rewarding and least rewarding about your previous job can be tricky. While it's important to be honest, it's equally important to be diplomatic and smart in your response. 

Interviewers ask this question to get a sense of the tasks you enjoy and do not. Say you're interviewing for a role in operations that involves a lot of paperwork. If you respond to this question by mentioning that paperwork was the least rewarding part of your last job, interviewers will know you might not be a good fit for the position. 

Along with getting a sense of your general likes and dislikes as an employee, this question can also reveal a lot about your attitude. 

Interviewers will be looking to see how you deal with unrewarding aspects of work. After all, any job comes with some less-than-lovely bits. Interviewers want to know if you're low-key or accepting about unrewarding aspects, or inclined to complain. 

When interviewing, always be cognizant of the job you are interviewing for and tailor your response accordingly. For example, if the last job you had involved extensive customer service telephone work that you hated, and if being on the phone doing something similar is even a minor part of the new job, don't mention it. 

No matter the question, do not give a wholly negative answer. You don't want to be construed as someone who is negative about work in general. If you can think of any small silver lining related to the least rewarding part of your job, be sure to mention it. If you can't, perhaps this isn't the right issue to bring up in an interview. 

If there is something about the new role or company you're interviewing with that will make your least rewarding situation unlikely to arise, it's a good opportunity to point out that out as part of  what interests you about this job  or to tie it into your answer to the question on  why you want to work here .

It's beneficial if you can connect your most rewarding experience with the responsibilities involved in the job at hand. 

Examples of the Best Answers

Example answer #1.

One of the most rewarding experiences I had at XYZ Company was tracking down the cause of the buggy behavior in a customer's XYZ product. I could hear the frustration in the customer's voice on the phone, so I arranged for a callback. It took two tech people, but finally, we figured out the issue. It was so satisfying to call back the customer with a resolution to his issue.

Why It Works: This response shows how the candidate transforms frustrations into motivations to resolve issues. 

Example Answer #2

We used to have a real issue with internal communications. My boss and I launched an internal newsletter to share information, and at a holiday party, one of the executive board members mentioned to me how helpful this monthly email was.

Why It Works: This is a solution-oriented way to discuss an unrewarding aspect of a job. 

Example Answer #3

I view myself first and foremost as a problem solver. So the most rewarding aspect of my last job was helping clients resolve their issues. When the same issues come up again and again, it feels frustrating to me. And of course, it reflected poorly on Company ABC's product. With help from my manager, we developed a database of these ongoing problems. Some, but not all of them, have been resolved since we started that initiative. 

Why It Works: This candidate shows real self-awareness and how an important skill (problem-solving) helps them both in day-to-day responsibilities and when responding to work frustrations. 

• Make a list of the qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, be sure the  responsibilities you mention as most rewarding are a match . Make sure you explain why they are most rewarding and use the opportunity to highlight specific skills or talents and the impact you were able to have, whether it was on colleagues, clients, or the company itself.
• Highlight non-essential items for the least rewarding portion of your response. Mention something that won't be required in the new job and always end your answer on a positive note. You could frame it as something that was the least rewarding as compared to the most rewarding activities. For example, if you're switching from a customer support job to a receptionist role, you could mention that you found email communication to be less enjoyable than chatting with people, so you're thrilled this new position involves more time on the phone. 
• Consider focusing on solutions.  In a perfect world, the thing you found least rewarding about your previous job was something you and your manager were able to fix. Even if they weren't implemented, it's worth mentioning any possible solutions that you came up with to fix what was wrong. Doing so will show you to be solutions-driven and positive. And just because the solution wasn't implemented at your last job doesn't mean this company won't consider it, should the same situation arise.

What Not to Say

• Don't talk negatively about people.  Even if your colleagues or manager were the worst part of your last job, don't say that. You can discuss the way working with those people was problematic. For example, let's say you had a situation where your former colleague was especially disorganized and you were stuck doing all the documentation. One way to mention this is to say that your old job required so much paperwork that you were unable to focus on the core tasks of the job itself. This conveys unhappiness over a situation that kept you from excelling at your job instead of annoyance with a colleague. Rather than complaining about people, neutrally discuss circumstances and tasks. 
• Don't brag.  When it comes to the most rewarding aspect of your role, you want to ideally mention an accomplishment—making an annual quota, closing a deal, managing a project successfully, etc.—without becoming boastful. 
• Don't complain.  You don't need to pretend that everything at your last job was amazing, but an interview isn't the time to air all your grievances. Mention only the issues you can put some sort of positive spin on, whether it's a silver lining you found or a solution that was implemented. 

Possible Follow-Up Questions

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?— Best Answers
• Do you work well with other people?— Best Answers
• What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job?— Best Answers

Key Takeaways

• Be strategic in your response—you'll want to know which skills and qualifications are most crucial for success and shape your answer accordingly. 
• Keep it positive, and don't vent about colleagues or supervisors. Make an effort to end your response on a positive note. 
• When you talk about the least rewarding aspect, consider weaving in how you worked to improve the situation. 

The Secret to Happiness at Work

Your job doesn’t have to represent the most prestigious use of your potential. It just needs to be rewarding.

“ How to Build a Life ” is a weekly column by Arthur Brooks, tackling questions of meaning and happiness.

E very year, Gallup asks a sample of American adults what might seem to be a rather loaded question: How much do you like your job? The results may surprise you. The portion who say they are “completely satisfied” at work has risen dramatically over the past two decades, from 41 percent in 2001 to 55 percent in 2019. In 2020, despite the fact that millions of Americans had shifted to remote work, 89 percent said they were either “completely” or “somewhat” satisfied.

I teach graduate students who have carefully envisioned their ideal career, many of whom are training to enter jobs in business or government. They find this statistic surprising because, like so many of us, they generally assume that to be satisfied, you must hold your dream job—one where your skills meet your passions, you make good money, and you are excited to get to work each day. No way 89 percent of people have this, right?

But this belief is based on a misunderstanding of what brings job satisfaction. To be happy at work, you don’t have to hold a fascinating job that represents the pinnacle of your educational achievement or the most prestigious use of your “potential,” and you don’t have to make a lot of money. What matters is not so much the “what” of a job, but more the “who” and the “why”: Job satisfaction comes from people, values, and a sense of accomplishment.

Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out.

N o doubt a substantial chunk of the job-satisfaction percentage is due to the fact that having any job at all makes people happier. Unemployment is one of the biggest sources of unhappiness people can face. Using data from the General Social Survey , I found that American adults who reported that they were “very” or “fairly” likely to lose their job in 2018 were more than three times more likely to say they were “not too happy” with their life than people who felt they were “not likely” to be let go. Several studies have linked a country’s unemployment level with suicide-rate increases. In 2014, economists found that a one-percentage-point increase in unemployment lowers national well-being by more than five times as much as a one-point increase in the inflation rate.

When one has a job, the factors that most affect satisfaction have little to do with the line of work. First, there are the uncontrollable variables: One study in the Journal of Applied Psychology of identical twins reared apart found that about 30 percent of job satisfaction is genetic. Then, there are the practical variables: Economists have found that wage increases raise job satisfaction, but only in the short term. The effect decays quickly as time passes. In all careers, regular wage increases are better for happiness than infrequent, larger raises.

Read: The new economics of happiness

Some of the squishiest aspects of a job are also the ones that make it most rewarding: the values held by your company and your co-workers. Research has shown , for example, that all over the world job satisfaction depends on a sense of accomplishment, recognition for a job well done, and work-life balance. Teamwork, too, has a strong influence in collectivist cultures, but less so in individualist ones . The late Harvard psychologist Richard Hackman found that job satisfaction was strongly, inversely tied to leader-centricity: In one of his studies, musicians who worked in symphony orchestras , where many conductors rule with an iron fist, were 21 percent less satisfied with their growth opportunities than players in leaderless string quartets.

Listen as Arthur Brooks and Jenn Lim, the CEO of Delivering Happiness, analyze the barriers to feeling that your work serves a higher purpose.

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Decades of studies have shown that the people most satisfied with their work are those who find a fundamental match between their employer’s values and their own. This is especially true when the values have special moral, philosophical, or spiritual significance. For example, a 2012 study on Iranian nurses found that the happiest ones believed their work was “a divine profession and a tool by which they could gain spiritual pleasure and satisfaction.” Many of my colleagues feel the same way about the vocation of higher education, and as the late philosopher Michael Novak wrote , that sense of a calling can be found in business as well.

Read: Four rules for identifying your life’s work

Researchers who have looked for clear relationships between job satisfaction and the actual type of job one holds have overwhelmingly struck out. CareerBliss, a company dedicated to helping people find greater happiness at work, has published survey results of the “happiest jobs” and the “unhappiest jobs,” as rated by those who hold them. Its most recent rankings, from 2018, show the happiest jobs to be quite disparate: teaching assistant, quality-assurance analyst, net developer, marketing specialist. The unhappiest jobs are similarly grab-baggy, and fairly unrelated to education and income: accountant, security guard, cashier, supervisor.

W hen my graduate students ask me for advice on choosing a job or career path, I don’t tell them to find the best possible fit between their interests and specific job duties. Obviously, they shouldn’t sign up for something they hate. But I tell them that satisfaction can be found in all sorts of vocations. After all, how many kids say, “When I grow up, I’m going to be a quality-assurance analyst”? Rather than relentlessly pursuing a “perfect match” career that they’re sure will make them happy, a better approach is to remain flexible on the exact job, while searching for the values and culture that fit with theirs.

Whatever job they end up in, finding a sense of accomplishment within it is crucial for job satisfaction. It helps to set goals in one’s work, such as increasing skills or responsibility. Some goals lead to more happiness than others , however. While pay increases push up satisfaction temporarily, money as a career goal does not. Volumes of research show that pursuing extrinsic rewards for work, such as money, actually hurts your interest in that work. For real satisfaction, you should pursue intrinsic goals —two in particular.

Read: Are you dreaming too big?

The first is earned success . You can think of it as the opposite of learned helplessness , a term coined by the psychologist Martin Seligman to denote the resignation that people experience when they repeatedly endure unpleasant situations beyond their control. Earned success instead gives you a sense of accomplishment (which Seligman has shown is a source of happiness, and which strongly predicts happiness at work) and professional efficacy (the idea that you are effective in your job, which pushes up commitment to your occupation, also a good measure of job satisfaction). Employers who give clear guidance and feedback, reward merit, and encourage their employees to develop new skills are the most likely to give you those feelings. Look for a boss who acts that way—and if you have the opportunity, be that kind of boss.

The second goal worth pursuing at work is service to others —the sense that your job is making the world a better place. That doesn’t mean you need to volunteer or work for a charity to be happy (my own research has shown that nonprofit work is not more inherently satisfying than working for a for-profit or for the government). On the contrary, you can find service in almost any job. One of my students made this point better than I can, in an op-ed he wrote to explain why he had forgone jobs in his field of academic study to become a waiter in Barcelona. As he put it in Spanish, his customers “are all important and equal. They are the same at the table and must be the same in the eyes of the waiter … It’s great to be able to serve the politician on the front page of the newspaper just as well as the kid browsing the news while waiting for his girlfriend.”

G iven that job satisfaction depends on fairly amorphous criteria such as people and values instead of concrete characteristics such as job duties and money, it’s worth noting that a good job can become a bad one without any changes that would be obvious to an outsider.

From the April 2016 issue: Quit your job

One of the most famous examples of this comes from the first story in the Bible. In the second chapter of the Book of Genesis, God—who had recently created Adam and deemed his creation “very good”—gives Adam a blessed vocation that pleases both of them: He “put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” One chapter later, after the unpleasantness with the snake and the apple, God casts Adam and Eve out of Eden, cursing them: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground.”

The research above sheds some light on all of this: Adam and Eve were still farmers in both cases, but you might say their relationship with the boss had soured, and they went from earning their success to dragging themselves to work to pay the bills.

From the July 2019 issue: Your professional decline is coming (much) sooner than you think

Okay, saying that job dissatisfaction is the price of the fall of man might be a little much, but it is pretty bad. And while a good job might not be quite as idyllic as the Garden of Eden, when we know the secrets to a career that is truly satisfying, work really can be a joy.

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You’ve earned it: Learn about the benefits of rewarding yourself

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Why is it important to reward yourself?

When should you reward yourself, how to reward yourself, 4 benefits of rewarding yourself, moving forward.

Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson has a saying: “Don’t cheat yourself, treat yourself.” It’s a simple but powerful phrase. Life is tough, so you deserve to reward yourself n ow and then. 

Despite what you may have heard, rewarding yourself is a good habit to build . However small, a reward is a good motivation to continue and feel proud of your accomplishment.

Rewards can look different for everyone. That might be some online shopping that ends in a new outfit for some, but maybe it’s concert tickets, dinner at a fancy restaurant, or skipping a workout for others. 

Regardless of how you prefer to treat yourself, it’s something you should practice.

It can be hard to embrace the mindset that rewarding yourself is necessary, but it will benefit your mental health . 

Biologically, rewards increase dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel happy and increases our memory retention, helps us sleep, and regulates our mood and appetite. A surge in dopamine reinforces specific behaviors as worthwhile. 

Experiencing a rise in dopamine levels is addictive, and we physically and mentally crave that feeling again. When we’re content, we’re more productive. 

Don’t worry about becoming dependent on rewards. You’re training your mind to regard hard work as a reward in itself. 

Dopamine rushes are one of the reasons people get addicted to video games or social media; the constant gratification that comes from posting photos or completing quests overstimulates our brains. In these cases, overconsumption can do more damage and decrease our motivation to acquire dopamine from productive tasks like our chores, exercise, social interactions, or from actual items. We have to make sure that our rewards are concrete and meaningful, not frivolous and constant. 

Building new physical and mental routines takes time and patience, but the best things come from dedication. Rewarding yourself is all about cultivating a new habit and long-term personal growth. At BetterUp , our coaches are here to help guide you as you walk this path.

You should reward yourself more often than you think. Many of us focus on the negatives, like how much work is left or our struggle to succeed. 

Having immediate satisfaction is wonderful, but there’s something to be said about delayed gratification . Holding out for later builds resilience, determination, and it’s even more satisfying once you complete your task. You’ll feel more deserving of whatever you’ve been waiting for. 

Rewarding yourself for your successes, however frequent and small, matters. 

You can treat yourself in many ways after a job well done. Below are a few healthy reward ideas to help you: 

• Start that new book you've wanted to read. 
• Watch one or two episodes of your favorite show. 
• Enjoy a bubble bath or a hot shower.
• Eat some chocolate or ice cream. Food rewards are as delicious as they are effective. 
• Order in or go out to eat at your favorite restaurant.
• Exercise or try a new workout class. 
• Spend time with your loved ones. 
• Visit the theater, museum, or a sporting event. 
• Have a Netflix or game night.
• If possible, take a day off work. 
• Splurge (within reason). Buy yourself a new shirt or pair of shoes.
• Listen to a playlist of your favorite music.
• Have a short outing to a local coffee shop.  

Remember, you can be rewarded in non-materialistic ways, too, like a paycheck, weight loss, or receiving recognition. 

Everyone enjoys different rewards; if it makes you happy, it doesn’t matter what form it comes in.

Don’t underestimate the impact of self-reward. Repeated encouragement leads to a boost in self-confidence , and you’ll feel more prideful and excited about your efforts.

Besides the hike in dopamine levels, other benefits that come with rewards include: 

1. Less procrastination

Knowing that you’ll experience a rush when you finally complete a task that you’ve been working on for what feels like forever will motivate you to finish it. 

2. Your thinking will become more deliberate and focused

Knowing that you need to finish the task at hand will help you stay focused and aim for that reward.

3. You’ll be able to eliminate distractions better

Why would you pick up your phone and scroll through Instagram when finishing your work means you can take a bath and do a face mask? Focusing on what you want — your reward — will also keep you focused on how to get there.

4. Positive reinforcement will become a regular practice

Checking off boxes on your to-do list is addicting, and it’s great fuel to propel you through the workweek. With any luck, finishing your work will be just as rewarding as whatever you’re gunning for now. 

We all need incentives. Rewards give you a mental break while providing you with an extra bit of momentum to get back to the grind. 

Others can cheer you on as you work through your responsibilities, but it ultimately comes down to you — you’re your biggest source of inspiration and motivation. Treating yourself right isn’t selfish; it's healthy. 

At BetterUp, we believe that everyone is capable of positive transformation, starting with good self-care. Bringing together AI technology, world-class coaching, and behavioral science experts, we strive to help every individual unlock their greater potential, purpose, and passion.

We won’t sugarcoat it – life is tough, but so are you, and our coaches are here to provide the perspective and accountability you need to keep going. If you’re willing to put in the work, we’ll support you every step of the way. 

Spoil yourself when you can: you’ll thank yourself for doing so because it makes the journey worthwhile. As celebrated author and financer Nitya Praska said: “Celebrate personal victories because no one else understands what it took to accomplish them.” 

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Why I Love Being a Nurse

This blog has been updated on March 22, 2023.

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online FNP nursing programs .

Nursing is one of the most professionally, personally, and spiritually rewarding careers there is.

People are driven to a career in nursing for a variety of reasons. Carson-Newman wanted to better understand and document some of these reasons, which is why we reached out to 15 registered nurses, including three of our own FNP students, to get their perspectives on a simple question: What do you find most rewarding about a career in nursing ?

Read on to discover some of the responses we received and compare these answers to your own experience.

Earn Your MSN-FNP Part-Time For Less than $30k

Nancy brook, rn, msn, cfnp.

'One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in nursing is the ability to connect with our patients on such an intimate level. While we often meet under very difficult circumstances—being present as people face serious health challenges or injuries, witnessing the moment of birth or the end of life—we get to know our patients very quickly and have the opportunity to play an important role in their lives.

"I became a nurse so that I could have an impact on the lives of others and have a career that felt very meaningful . After 25 years of helping patients and their families navigate cancer and mentoring new nurses, I believe that at the end of the day, no matter how challenging, I have impacted someone's life for the better."

Catherine Burger, RN, MS, MSOL, NEA-BC

"What I find to be the most rewarding about being a nurse is the numerous career paths that are available within the profession. For example, in my nearly 30-year career I have been blessed to work in labor and delivery, the Intensive Care Unit, home health, informatics, leadership, clinical practice, and ambulatory care. As a contributing writer for registerednursing.org, I now get to educate my colleagues and future nurses on current events and issues.

"I initially chose a nursing career just out of high school as I wanted to work in the field of medicine, and I knew I could complete the degree within two years. After many years and many advanced degrees, I still love being of help to people at all stages of life. I am very proud of my nursing profession and I love that nurses are still the most trusted profession to the public: a responsibility we should never take for granted."

Elizabeth Mason, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

"After working for a while, I went back to school and became a nursing instructor in the classroom and clinical. It is the perfect balance of hands-on patient care and teaching the next generation of nurses. I love [when] my students have that "ah-ha" moment as they put together the big picture of the patient, their diagnosis, medications, and treatment plans. I love seeing the growth of new nursing students to their preceptorship. It is always a blessing to see them in the hospital later as nurses succeeding at their calling."

Sandy Griffin, LPN, CHPLN

"I really love going to bed knowing I made a difference. As an LPN at a hospice, that difference is usually making sure our patients are as comfortable as possible, but we often have the opportunity to help the patients' families too. It's satisfying to know they feel more at ease after they see the care we provide.

"I chose a nursing career partially because I loved biology and anatomy and partially to have a career with which I could support myself and be independent. The further I got into my nursing education, I realized how rewarding it was to be able to make people who are sick and uncomfortable feel better, even if it's just a little. Treating people with kindness and respect goes a long way. I found my nursing career home in hospice. It hasn't always been easy, but it has always been worth it.

"I have loved empowering and supporting patients and families to know that they are able to get through anything. Working for a hospice agency, I have been able to help patients have dignity at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Being with patients and their families at the end of life is a privilege. It has been an honor to have been with so many at that time.

"I also love the pride I feel in my work. Being a nurse is one of the most challenging jobs someone could do. It's physically and mentally demanding at times. However, at the end of the day, you feel amazing satisfaction and pride. Being able to help those in need for a living is unlike any other profession."

MaryAnn Ciambriello, RN, BSN

"The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is making a difference in the lives of others. It may be your patients, their families, or your students. Nursing offers us so many arenas to practice in. As an RN, I have worked in the delivery room, in home care, in a prison, as a high school nurse, and as the director of nurses in assisted living facilities. Now, I am the owner of a few businesses.

"What motivated me to be an RN? My dad chose my profession for me. I was studying business in college and he thought that I should become an RN. So, like any good daughter, I dropped my business studies and became an RN; however, I did go back to complete two business degrees.

"What do I love about nursing? I love that this profession allows us the opportunity to work in so many diverse areas. We are not pigeonholed into just the hospital—the sky's the limit in this profession.

"In nursing, you just have to follow your passion and purpose and stay true to yourself. Always remember to have empathy and to give the best care possible."

Shantay Carter, RN, BSN

"Knowing that my care, touch, voice, and time can help a patient make it through the night is one of the most rewarding feelings. Sometimes, it's the little things that you do for your patient that make a difference. The nursing profession has opened so many doors for me. It has allowed me to become an author and run a successful non-profit organization that addresses the needs in my community. My specialty is orthopedics and trauma, and I love working in this area."

Lauren Mochizuki, RN, BSN

"What I find most rewarding about my career as a nurse is that I have the opportunity to help people in their most vulnerable, and unexpected, moments. For some, coming to the emergency department can be one of the worst days of their lives. As their nurse, my job is to make them feel safe, comfortable, and cared for.

"There are many things that motivated me to choose nursing as a career. First, I love people. I love chatting with them, being around them, and taking care of them—it is very fulfilling to my soul. The second reason is that the schedule is wonderful for being a mother. I now have the opportunity to work per diem and work around my husband's schedule so I can spend lots of time with our children.

"Lastly, I love that it provides great compensation so that I can contribute to my family financially. Five years ago, my husband and I paid off $266,000 of debt, and I am so thankful for my various nursing jobs that allowed me to work to reach this goal. I also love the culture of nursing in my emergency department. It feels like we understand each other, like we can look at each other in a certain way and know what we are thinking. We can sense when something is wrong in each other or celebrate our personal victories. I have the privilege to work among great nurses and that makes the entire shift more enjoyable."

Cynthia Attaway, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

"I am a part time nursing instructor for a community college, and the first to be allowed in the acute hospital setting. The human connection cannot be experienced in simulation and observing the science of human caring was emotional during the pandemic.

"Nursing is the best—high technology, and high touch."

Chris Caulfield, RN, NP-C

"As a nurse, I have a flexible career that allows me to pursue my passions while also having a significant positive impact on patients at need. I was initially attracted to the nursing profession as I loved working with the elderly and had a strong interest in human physiology. There were flexible nursing programs in my local area that were affordably priced, so it was easy for me to start my RN program. I was also very excited by the opportunities to obtain advanced practice certifications and licenses through distanced-based programs that were flexible and could work around my personal commitments.

"Throughout my nursing career, I've had the great opportunity to work in many different fields including long-term care, psychiatric nursing, urgent care, labor relations, and nursing informatics. As you work in different specialties, your knowledge continues to grow and your ability to think outside the box increases. As an advanced practice nurse (FNP-C), I've gained a deeper understanding of the health care system, which had a significant contribution in leading me to success in my most recent venture-backed technology startup. I've been able to take this knowledge and create a system that focuses on allowing nurses to work a flexible schedule via their mobile app, while also helping to address the staffing shortage crises experienced in long-term care facilities.

"Over the past three years, I've had over 10,000 nursing professionals join my organization to pick up shifts on the side. With almost unlimited opportunities, I continue to recommend the nursing profession to countless numbers of family members, friends, and acquaintances. I've yet to find another career choice that allows the flexibility and options that nursing does."

Tina Baxter, APRN, GNP-BC

"As a nurse, I have the privilege of helping others when they are the most vulnerable. I witness some of their greatest triumphs and their greatest defeats. There is nothing better than attending a birth, holding the hand of someone who is dying, or helping someone achieve a better life through improving their health. It is a legacy that will live on long after you are gone. The patients and families will remember your warm smile, your gentle touch, the knowledge you shared, and the fact that you cared for them.

"As a student in health care, I realized I was more concerned about how a person got ill and how to prevent it, rather than just how to treat it. I wanted to understand how I could help a person not only get healthy but stay healthy. That's what nurses do. We teach our patients to take care of themselves and to optimize their health.

"One of the things I love about being a nurse is that this career is flexible . I have been a bedside nurse, a nursing professor, a mentor, a supervisor/manager/charge nurse, an entrepreneur, a nurse scientist, a nurse educator, a legal nurse consultant, a wellness practitioner, a nurse practitioner, and coming soon, a nurse author with my first book. I would say that being a nurse is pretty fabulous."

Andrea Tran, RN, IBCLC

"The most rewarding thing I have found about being a nurse is the personal connection that I am able to make with patients. No matter how long it has been, a patient remembers their nurse. They may or may not remember the nurse's name, but they remember if they were kind and compassionate. A good nurse always is.

"I became a nurse in response to nothing short of "a calling." I was visiting my grandmother with my mother. She had gone into another room to visit with someone else she knew, and I went to get her. I noticed that the other patient in the room was in a lot of pain, and I had such a strong and deep desire to help them. I decided then and there that I would become a nurse.

"I have spent my entire career with women during the childbearing period. It is mostly wonderful, but when it is not, it is terrible.

"Getting to share in the joy of a new family creates so much happiness. Helping new parents step into their new world with education and support puts me in my happy place."

Nancy Congleton, RN, Author

"What initially motivated me to become a nurse was that my husband and I were sinking financially. We both worked full time, our home was small and affordable, our vehicles were not brand new, and yet we were barely making it. At a young age I found myself intrigued by the medical profession and, after discovering that I could have my associate's degree in nursing and become an RN in approximately three years, I went for it. What started as a financial necessity has become so much more. I thoroughly enjoy caring for my patients and love mentoring new nurses.

"The things I love most about being a nurse include the variety of areas to practice in, the constant opportunities to focus on others, and those 12-hour shifts! If I had to go back to a Monday–Friday schedule, I don't know if I'd survive!"

Megan McHatten, RN, BSN, CNOR

"As an operating room nurse at a trauma center, there are times that can be pretty stressful and fast paced. Recently, a trauma was called and about six of us rushed to the OR to set up. All we typically know during these events are the very basics, and in this case, a motor vehicle accident had occurred, and we needed to do an exploratory laparotomy. Within about two minutes, we had the supplies and instruments opened, scrub techs were setting up, and anesthesia was getting ready. I looked around and was so proud to be a part of a team that could, within minutes, be ready to potentially save someone's life. Those are times when I am proud to be a perioperative nurse and I find them especially rewarding.

"What motivated me to choose this career? High demand, good pay, multiple specialties to work in, the ability to move forward with my career if I choose (i.e. nurse practitioner, administration) and the feeling of making a difference.

"I love the feeling when our team has a great surgical case, and everyone is working together like a well-oiled machine. I love knowing that many of my patients will begin their healing journey in my OR. I love the endless amount of learning and science that the health care field offers."

Maria Kindrai, RN, MSN - Carson-Newman FNP Student

"As a nurse, I have learned to appreciate every moment spent at the bedside of a patient.  Caring for others has always been a priority but during a pandemic it has been heightened.  This one on one time with someone is certainly time when both the patient and the nurse have the opportunity for growth and to learn from one another."

Donna Mathezing, RN

"30 years of being a nurse and I have never had a regret about my career choice. I knew when I was five years old that helping people and talking with them was what I was meant to do.

"I have worked in all critical care areas from emergency to the cardiovascular ICU to the general systems ICU; I now work in the post-operative care unit and have 10 years of experience flying with our air ambulance service in a helicopter. I get to make a profound difference every single day. That profound difference is different for every patient, depending on what they need from me at their time of need. That could be something simple like holding a hand, letting them cry on my shoulder, giving pain medications so their loved one is comfortable, or just reassuring them that we will take care of them!

"Being with people at what is sometimes the worst moments of their lives or the best moments (diagnosis is negative or the birth of a baby) is a privilege and one I take very seriously. Being with a family as their loved one is passing away is the ultimate compliment for a nurse. Death is a sacred and scary time for many, and to be allowed within that sacred circle to offer support and comfort is what is rewarding about nursing.

"If I can walk away after my shift knowing that I have eased a person's worry or fear and brought some sort of peace to them, then my day is fulfilled. And the best part of that is that I get many opportunities every day that I work."

Learn more about Carson-Newman's online nursing programs for registered nurses with their bachelor's or master's.

Request your free program brochure.

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Why Employees Need Both Recognition and Appreciation

• Mike Robbins

One is about what people do; the other is about who they are.

We often use the words “recognition” and “appreciation” interchangeably, but there’s a big difference between them. The former is about giving positive feedback based on results or performance. The latter, on the other hand, is about acknowledging a person’s inherent value. This distinction matters because recognition and appreciation are given for different reasons. Even when people succeed, inevitably there will be failures and challenges along the way; depending on the project, there may not even be tangible results to point to. If you focus solely on praising positive outcomes, on recognition , you miss out on lots of opportunities to connect with and support your team members — to appreciate them. Managers should make sure they’re doing both.

Recognition and appreciation. We often use these words interchangeably, and think of them as the same thing. But while they’re both important, there’s a big difference between them. For leaders who want their teams to thrive and organizations that want to create cultures of engagement, loyalty, and high performance, it’s important to understand the distinction.

• Mike Robbins is the author of five books, including his latest, We’re All in This Together . He’s a sought-after speaker and consultant who has worked with leaders, teams, and Fortune 500 companies for the past two decades. Learn more at Mike-Robbins.com .

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5 Reasons Being a Teacher Is the Most Rewarding Career 

October 19, 2021

Teachers can make impressions on the minds of our young children that last a lifetime. If you can recall your favorite teacher giving you advice that changed the course of your life, you probably know the impact a teacher can have. Molding future generations, assisting in building personal philosophies, and helping us understand essential skills for our adult lives are just a few ways a teacher can impact society. From watching students achieve an A+ in your classroom to witnessing them become the latest addition to NASA’s team of scientists, you will be rewarded daily for the impact you have on the lives of your students.    

Each student in your classroom will be different from the student next to them. They have different life experiences, learn differently, and progress at different rates in any curriculum. Regardless, through your guidance, each of them will push their limits to go further, achieve higher goals, and even grow as a person. When they have these “A-ha!” moments, it makes teaching all the more rewarding.

Teachers model as shining examples of what a functioning adult should be. When students look up to the front of the class, they see a functioning member of society who demonstrates mastery over their field of study, shows how inspired they are to learn and teach each day, and conveys how much they care about their success. By being a role model students can look up to, teachers can impact the lives of students. Just being there and showing that you care about their success can propel them forward and be rewarding for them and you!  

In some states like Texas, for example, teachers receive quite a competitive salary and full benefits. As of September 27, 2021, the annual teacher salary is an average of  $58,545 , with ranges typically falling between  $51,113  and  $67,591.   With an added vacation spanning the entirety of summer each year, a recession-proof job, and better pay than ever, becoming a teacher can be a rewarding career for your financial wellbeing as well. 

Ultimately, teaching is more than just a job anyone does for the pay. Making a difference in the lives of their students is what it is all about for so many teachers who prepare lesson after lesson to see them grow. The honor of teaching itself is a reward, and if you feel a calling for teaching, desire to inspire others, shape the world and its young minds, or you want to be the next role model for a student in need, we encourage you to  learn more  about Teachers of Tomorrow. Speak with a program advisor and learn more about our program when you apply for free today! 

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Energizing Your Teacher Recruitment Strategy

October 19, 2021 by jessicanunez

Texas Teachers Certification Areas

Texas teachers currently offers 50+ certification areas:.

• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources 6–12 (272)
• American Sign Language (ASL) (184)
• Art EC–12 (178)
• Bilingual Education Supplemental (164)
• Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) Spanish (190)
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• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies 4–8 (113)
• Family and Consumer Sciences EC-12 (200)
• Health EC–12 (157)
• Health Science 6–12 (273)
• History 7–12 (233)
• Journalism 7–12 (256)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Arabic EC–12 (600 & 605)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) French EC–12 (610)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) German EC–12 (611)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Latin EC–12 (612)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Japanese EC–12 (602 & 607)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Mandarin Chinese EC–12 (601 & 606)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Russian EC–12 (603 & 608)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish EC–12 (613)
• Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Vietnamese EC–12 (604 & 609)
• Life Science 7–12 (238)
• Marketing 6–12 (275)
• Mathematics 4–8 (115)
• Mathematics 7–12 (235)
• Mathematics/Physical Science/Engineering 6–12 (274)
• Mathematics/Science 4–8 (114)
• Music EC–12 (177)
• Physical Education EC–12 (158)
• Physical Science 6–12 (237)
• Physics/Mathematics 7–12 (243)
• Science 4–8 (116)
• Science 7–12 (236)
• Social Studies 4–8 (118)
• Social Studies 7–12 (232)
• Special Education EC–12 (161)
• Speech 7–12 (129)
• Technology Applications EC–12 (242)
• Technology Education 6–12 (171)
• Texas Assessment of Sign Communication–American Sign Language™ (TASC–ASL™) (073)
• Theatre EC–12 (180)
• Trade and Industrial (T&I)

Interview Question: "Why Do You Find Nursing Rewarding?"

• What the Interviewer Wants to Know

Examples of the Best Answers

Tips for giving the best answer, what not to say, possible follow-up questions.

Congratulations! Your cover letter and resume got you noticed, and you’re ready to prepare for an interview for your dream nursing job. You’ll be asked a number of questions at your interview, and one very important question may be, “Why do you find nursing to be a rewarding profession?”

What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know

The interviewer wants a truly positive answer about your experience with nursing and why you find it rewarding. What is your favorite part of nursing? Is it patient care? Administration? Working with families? Working with your medical team? A specialty?

Whatever you find rewarding in the profession of nursing, be passionate and knowledgeable about it when you prepare your answer for the interviewer.

Perhaps it’s nursing in general that you find rewarding. Think hard about the answer to this question. Prepare your answer and practice it before your interview.

How to Answer the Interview Question “Why Do You Find Nursing Rewarding?”

There are several ways you can answer this question. You might focus on how you feel when you work with a specific patient population or witness a specific joyful outcome.

For example:

“The most rewarding thing for me as a nurse is seeing the joy when a family first holds their baby. The first volunteer job I had back in high school was helping in the maternity ward at the hospital in my hometown. The very first time I saw a new mother with her baby, I knew that I wanted to go into nursing to share this special time with families. Throughout my years as a maternity nurse, I have seen many heartbreaking times as well, and being able to help those families cope with loss has been very difficult, but also rewarding.”

There are other ways to answer this question. If it is nursing in general that you find rewarding, develop your answer with that slant. If you have a desire to eventually go into nursing administration, focus on the fact that you find nursing so rewarding that you would like to be in management.

You also want to read and study the common questions asked in a nursing job interview.

Here are some sample answers that will help you frame your own response when preparing for your interview.

As an Emergency Room nurse, one of the primary jobs that I have, besides helping the on-call doctor to treat patients, is interacting with the patients and their families. Often, the families need to wait for a diagnosis, and they look to the nurse for explanations and messages from the doctor. I find it very rewarding to be able to help the patients, as well as their families, be calm and well-prepared for when the doctor can speak with them.

Why It Works: It is clear in this answer that the applicant is sincere in his or her concern for the patients and their families. She is detailed enough in her answer to assure the interviewer that she finds this part of the job very rewarding. The interviewer would see the applicant as being genuine in his or her description of the favorite part of nursing being able to help people through stressful situations or through communication with doctors.

I find helping patients through recovery after surgery, which is often one of their greatest challenges, to be most rewarding. Many times, no matter how well-educated the patient is, and how well-prepared they are for what to expect during recovery, the reality of their post-surgical rehabilitation is overwhelming. I once worked with a patient after knee surgery who had some complications, which resulted in the need for an extended hospital stay, and much more physical therapy that she had been prepared for.

I was concerned for her mental state and recommended that she speak with our social worker. After she had been released, she sent me a very nice note, thanking me for putting her in touch with the social worker and letting me know that it had a positive impact on her recovery.

Why It Works: The applicant is obviously very knowledgeable about nursing and her answer to the question is sincere and honest. It works because the interviewer would see that he or she is a sincere person.

I love working with children, and the most rewarding part of being a pediatric nurse is watching how they process their illnesses and injuries, as well as how willing they are to take charge of their recovery. I remember one young patient who had been given a difficult diagnosis, and she had a lot of questions about her treatment. Her fantastic attitude, as well as the support of her parents, most likely contributed to her remission. I learned so much from that little girl, and I believe that I have been able to help other children better for having known her.

Why It Works: This answer projects the applicant’s passion for nursing clearly. An interviewer could clearly see how the applicant found the profession rewarding.

Exhibit Enthusiasm and Passion.  If you exhibit enthusiasm and passion for nursing as a profession, it will be obvious that you find it rewarding.

Highlight Your Qualifications.  This question gives you an opportunity to talk about your best qualifications for the nursing position.

Nursing as a Career.  You can briefly discuss your excitement about nursing as a career when answering the question about how rewarding nursing is for you.

Prepare and Practice.  Prior to your interview, prepare your answer and practice it.

Don’t Search.  Don’t be unprepared for this question and appear to be searching for an answer.

Don’t Discuss Salary and Perks.  It’s not appropriate to discuss salary and benefits during the first interview unless the interviewer brings it up first.

Don’t Go into Specifics.  Be complete, but brief. If the interviewer wants more specifics, he or she will ask for them.

• Why did you choose nursing as a career? Best Answers
• How do you handle stress on the job? Best Answers

Key Takeaways

• When describing what makes nursing rewarding, be enthusiastic and passionate.
• Weave your own qualifications into your description of what you find rewarding about the nursing profession.
• Be positive and brief. Don’t be too specific.
• Give an example of how nursing has been rewarding for you.
• Interview Question: "Why Did You Choose Nursing as a Career?"
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How To Answer “Describe Your Most Rewarding College Experience”

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Most students find themselves scrambling post-graduation to find an entry-level position or internship that puts them on the proper career path .

During interviews for these types of positions, knowing that these candidates have less formal professional experience, the interviewer often asks them to describe their most rewarding college experience.

Key Takeaways:

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about a candidate and how the skills learned during college can be applied to the position they’re hiring for.

Research the company before hand and relate your answer to the company and their values.

Make sure you keep your answer relevant to the job and keep it professional.

Be honest in your answer because hiring managers can tell when you are lying and making up a story.

What the Interviewer Wants to Know by Asking This Question

How to answer this question, example answers, possible follow-up questions.

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There’s a motive behind every question in an interview.

The purpose of asking an applicant to describe their most rewarding college experience is to assess the ventures they undertook while studying and how the skills learned during this time can be applied to the position they’re hiring for. It’s often a tactic used when hiring for an entry-level role, internship, or part-time job .

When a candidate discusses the experiences in college that they consider the most rewarding, it illuminates a lot about the person they are. Their answer demonstrates what they think constitutes value and reward. It also provides information on what areas they have educational experience in.

Learn more about the company. Although asking about your most rewarding college experience is about your history, the interviewer intends on applying this information to how successful you might be in the position they’re hiring for.

Since the goal is to highlight your values and experience that fits their expectations, do prior research on the company you’re interviewing with. Information about a business’ mission statement and values is usually found on their website.

Relate it to the values of the company. After doing your research, think of any experiences that relate to the values of the company. You want to find a job that relates to your values and morals, and a hiring manager is looking for the same thing.

Describe experiences that are relevant to the job opportunity. Only bring up a college experience that’s relevant to the job opportunity you’re interviewing for.

While there were probably a lot of notable experiences that took place during the four years you were studying, not every one of them is valuable to speak about in an interview.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the experience has to be an accomplishment related to your major, but it should display qualities that are helpful for the role.

Research how to succeed in an interview. Doing prior research on how to perform well in an interview is helpful whether you’re describing the most rewarding experience of your college career or answering any other question. It gives you valuable information to work with and enhances performance despite experience level .

Topics to research about interview success include:

General interview etiquette

Most typical interview questions in your field

How to dress for a job interview

Writing a follow-up email after an interview

Be honest. Now we don’t mean be honest and talk about your most rewarding party experience. Don’t make up an answer you think the interviewer wants to know. Try to connect some of your experiences to the job or internship and relate them. Employers can usually tell when you are making up something you think they want to hear.

Example 1. Foreign exchange program:

“The most rewarding experience that I had in college was being a member of the foreign exchange program. When I was in my junior year of college, I studied in Rome, Italy for a semester. I consider it the most rewarding experience of my four years in university because, in addition to continuing work towards my major , I gained valuable knowledge from living in Rome. I built connections that I never would’ve without participating in the program, learned how to conversationally speak Italian, and gained experience in how to travel abroad alone. I think these skills that I gained in the foreign exchange program will drive my success in this role as an entry-level public relations specialist because the role requires working with different kinds of people.”

Why it works. A foreign exchange program demonstrates a candidate who is willing to get out of their comfort zone to gain more experience.

The applicant presented their answer well because they describe the particular skills that they gained from doing a semester abroad in Italy. Additionally, they finalize their response by stating how this experience would make them a more competent employee if hired.

Example 2. Being academically challenged:

“College presented more of an academic challenge than anything that preceded it. I had always done well in my high school studies, and I went into college expecting a similar experience. I was surprised to find how much studying engineering at university pushed me to my limit. I believe that the academic challenge that college presented me with as a whole was the most rewarding experience I had there. It showed me how extensive my academic and professional capabilities are if I put forth all of my efforts. It taught me to bring a mentality of stepping up to difficult challenges, and I think this will benefit me in my future career goals.”

Why it works. Expressing your most rewarding experience in college as the academic challenge it presented can be a strong way to answer the interviewer’s question, as long as you have the grades to back it up.

It makes them out to be a realistic candidate. The response shows that the applicant has the potential to tackle a challenging situation at work and have a successful outcome.

Example 3. Participating in clubs and organizations:

“I had a lot of experiences during college that were fulfilling, but the one which impacted me the most was participating in the Environmental Protection Club. I joined the club when I was in my second year of college, and by my senior year, I had become the president of the organization. We worked on various small projects and a large one throughout each school year. In my year as president, I organized a concert with popular local music artists where all the proceeds went to environmental charities that the student body voted on. I also coordinated an “ environmental education ” course with my university to teach the students how little changes in their lives make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. It was the most rewarding experience I had in college because it showed me how my actions have a powerful effect on the world around me and inspired me to pursue a career involved in environmental law.”

Why it works. This is a strong answer when being asked to describe a rewarding experience in college because it outlines the applicant’s participation throughout the years.

Example 4. An internship:

“My most rewarding college experience actually took place outside of the classroom, during a spring internship with a local marketing company called Global Marketing Team. When I learned that I’d been accepted to the internship opening, I was thrilled to gain real-world experience and build up my career in marketing. However, I had no idea how valuable it would truly be. In my time working with the Global Marketing Team, I participated in campaigns for large-scale clients as any other marketer would. One of the projects that I worked on during my internship improved the client’s viewership on advertisements by 11%. I contributed ideas as a part of the team and mastered how to do the administrative work associated with a marketing role. This spring internship position was the most rewarding experience I had in college because it gave me useful training to succeed under pressure in an entry-level marketing position.”

Why it works. This is an example of a good answer because they give a lot of information about the previous internship role and what was involved. They provide a detailed account of the internship and why it was important to their career development.

Additionally, they included relevant statistics to the project they worked on, making their response even more powerful.

Example 5. An honors program:

“The most rewarding experience during college for me was earning a spot in the honors program at my school. Students were required to have a 3.5 GPA and two professor recommendations to be admitted. My university’s honors program provided opportunities to work with other high-achieving students in small teams to broaden our horizons through professional projects. As a member of the honors program, I was required to participate in these group projects with other members to improve our employable skills , such as collaboration and creativity . It was one of the most valuable experiences of my college career because it allowed me to network with others and build my teamwork skills. I think the experience of being in the honors program gave me qualities that will make me a strong employee and team member in the future.”

Why it works. This applicant describes their time participating in an honor’s program as their most rewarding experience in college. This works for a couple of reasons. It demonstrates that they were a student who excelled academically, which looks good to an interviewer hiring for an entry-level position .

The candidate also recounted the valuable teamwork skills that they learned through project participation in the honors program. This shows the interviewer that they are prepared to work as a functional member of a team – another attractive quality for an applicant to have.

Once you’ve been asked to describe your most rewarding college experience, the interviewer will follow up with more questions to evaluate your potential as an employee. Below are some popular follow-up questions that might be asked during an entry-level or internship interview:

Why do you want this job?

What are your long-term career goals?

What do you know about our organization?

What do you like to do for fun?

Tell me about a problem you’ve encountered at work or school, and how you handled it.

How do you define success?

What gets you up in the morning?

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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11 Rewards of Being a Teacher

If you are a teacher, I want to ask you a simple question: Why are you a teacher?

If you are in it for the money, you are in the wrong profession. To be a teacher, you need to be passionate about the profession and know why you are doing it. It needs to make you happy. In fact, everyone ought to be happy in his or her career, regardless of what it is. Don’t lose sight of why you are in the teaching profession and reflect once in a while.

If you’ve read my article, “ 11 Habits of an Effective Teacher ”, you will probably enjoy this one, too! When you are enjoying the teaching profession, you will probably experience these rewards and more.

1. YOU GET TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON LIVES

There is nothing more rewarding than knowing and seeing the evidence that you’ve made an impact on someone’s life or multiple lives. As teachers, we should not seek for rewards and praise. Sometimes, we cannot physically see the appreciation and impact you’ve made but just know that it’s there. This reward on its own should drive you to want to be the best teacher you can be for yourself, your school community, and your dear students.   

2. YOU GET TO IGNITE THE ‘SPARK”

Have you ever heard students get discouraged and say things such as:

“I don’t get it.”

“I am going to fail this test.”

“This is so hard.”

“I don’t want to do this.”

These students need their teacher to figure out how they can support them and encourage them. These students need teachers to show them their potential and find out what works for them to learn best. Everyone learns differently and it is up to teachers to find out how these students learn effectively. The feeling you get when these students turn those statements around and into, “I did it! I am so proud of myself,” is absolutely priceless. Don’t let your students give up and never ever give up on them either. We live for those moments.

3. YOU GET TO BE SURROUNDED WITH LOVE

As a teacher, it is so rewarding to go to work and be surrounded by love all around me! Sometimes, during a busy time or stressful day, a simple “I love you Miss” or a doodle from a student on their free time, can instantly put a smile on my face. It is such an honour to be able to teach students and love them while they are in my care.

4. YOU GET TO CELEBRATE MILESTONES

You get to celebrate big and small accomplishments throughout the day and school year with your students. You get to watch your students (current and previous) grow and be proud that you were part of the process to get them to where they are today. You also get to celebrate all of their birthdays with them, which equates to a lot of CAKE and parties! Who can say no to that?

5. YOU GET TO LAUGH ALL DAY LONG

You’d probably agree that kids are hilarious without even trying! One at a time or all at once, your students probably makes you laugh. I don’t know about you but to me, laughter is the cure to a lot of things in life. When you are a teacher, you need to have a sense of humour and joke around with your students. It will brighten your day and the day of others. Don’t get me wrong though, as it is not all fun and games! Of course, your students need to also know when it is a time to be serious versus when it is a time to appropriately joke around. It is important to find this balance with your students to make sure things don’t get too out of hand or noisy.

6. YOU GET TO CREATE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

In most professions, people don’t get to “create” their own environment. They go to work in the environment that has been created for them and that they contribute to. However, teachers get to create their own environment (with limitations). We can only hope that teachers create a positive environment that will enrich the learning that goes on in the classroom. Teachers have the freedom to make the best out of it! If you spend the most of your weekdays in your classroom, why not make the environment as positive, comfortable, and happy as possible? Do it for you and the children who share the space with you.

7. YOU GET TO INSPIRE OTHERS

Whether you do it intentionally or not, you inspire others just for being you. You inspire kids to do their best when you do your best. You inspire your colleagues to work hard when you work hard. You inspire everybody around you to be happy, positive, creative, and energetic when you are. The list goes on but I think you get my point! With that being said, be the best version of you at all times because you never know who you are inspiring! 

8. YOU GET TO FEED YOUR INNER CREATIVITY

Since becoming a teacher, I have learned so much about my creative potential that I didn’t know existed. Now, it comes very naturally for me to set up my classroom, create bulletin displays, create engaging lessons and appealing resources, etc. Thanks to teaching, I have a new appreciation for art as well. Now, I can confidently organize events, paint murals, create resources to sell, decorate rooms, and pursue various DIY projects. Through teaching and being passionate about penmanship, I have also started my own calligraphy business as well. Use your teaching experiences to spark your inner creativity because it is there even if you haven’t discovered it yet.

9. YOU GET TO HAVE AN EXCITING DAY, EVERY DAY

Some people enjoy a 9-5 job in an office, which is amazing! However, some have an office job merely because it is a job and it pays the bills. For those people, time might tick very slowly throughout the day. Reflect on whether you are enjoying the work that you do. Don’t let life pass you by without enjoying it. In my opinion, it is very difficult to have a boring day at work when you are a teacher. You always leave work with at least one exciting, funny, or interesting story to tell!

10. YOU GET TO CREATE LASTING MEMORIES TO CHERISH FOREVER

Every year, I look forward to September because I get to meet my new students for the year. I get to learn personalities of 20+ students and how I can help them all reach their potential while the care of these students are in my hands. When the school year ends, I always get emotional because I know I will miss the kids as we all move on. No matter how many years you do this, it never gets old. The feeling of excitement when September approaches will always be there. And as much as it can get emotional at year-end, I am always grateful for the memories that we’ve given each other and what we’ve learned from one another. Some people ask me what my favourite grade or class is but the truth is, there is none. As cliché as it sounds, they are all my favourites.

11. YOU GET TO TEACH

No matter what you do, don’t take it for granted. I know many teachers who struggle to land a full-time teaching position due to a surplus of teachers in certain locations around the world. If you are given the opportunity to teach, enjoy it and give it your all. When you are a teacher, you teach beyond the textbooks. You teach children how to deal with their emotions and how to problem solve. You teach children how to be independent and organized in life. You teach children what matters to them and what their interests are. You teach children how to have good manners and how to be responsible for their own actions. You teach children how to apologize to others and learn from their mistakes/actions. The greatest part is, you teach all of this and so much more without even realizing it. You teach all of this by simply being an amazing teacher who cares about what you do.

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

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Ielts essay 244 - university education to help graduates get better jobs, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society..

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