5 Things To Be Grateful For In Your Career

It’s Thanksgiving week and a good time to reflect on your year. It’s easy to get fixated on what didn’t go your way but let’s focus on the good and be grateful for what you do have. Despite the challenges you’ve encountered this past year, you are here now and have learned some valuable lessons along the way. Here are 5 things to appreciate and cherish this holiday season that a lot of people take for granted.

You Have A Job

You may have difficult and unsatisfying days at work, but at the end of the day, having a stable job is something to be grateful for. With 6.5 million people unemployed in the United States and an inflation rate of 3.24%, a steady income can help you cover your basic needs, take care of your family, and save for the future.

Your current job may not be your “forever job,” but it can offer you new skills, career opportunities, and a network to build for the future. You won’t love what you do 100% of the time, and that’s okay. Remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and to be grateful for what you have now.

If you are looking for a new job, it’s a good time to assess what you want and prepare your game plan for after the holidays. You can download our free resume & cover letter template to help you get a head start.

You Have A Manager Who Cares About You

How many people in your circle have managers that they can’t stand to be around? A survey from analytics firm Gallup shows that 1 in every 2 employees leave a job to get away from a manager. So, if you’re working with a manager who genuinely cares about you and your development, you are lucky!

A good manager can make all the difference in your career. They allow you to be yourself and be able to have open and honest communication with them. They let you take on projects you’re interested in, and encourage you to unplug during your vacation days. All of this signals a healthy working environment where you can work on your professional and personal growth, and that’s something to be grateful for.

You Like Your Teammates

You may have bonded over having a bad manager with your teammates before. But having a group of coworkers whom you trust, like, and work well with is definitely a win. They’re the people who you see and interact with everyday, sometimes, even more so than with your partner, family, or friends. Getting along with them promotes positive team dynamics and better for your mental health as well. If you have made friends out of the people you work with, remember to be grateful for them.

You’re Getting Paid What You’re Worth

We all want to be paid more but there is value in recognizing and being grateful for being paid for our value. Being in a workplace that recognizes your contributions and compensates you well is a good position to be, especially in this economy. You’ll know you’re being paid what you’re worth if your salary is within or above industry standards, you’re compensated similarly with coworkers who are in the same skill and expertise level, and you’re getting regular increases based on good job performance.

An average household in the U.S. spends around $61,000 annually, with a median salary of $62,000. And if you’re at the better end of that stick where you generally earn more than the costs of your needs and can afford a few luxuries here and there, you should be proud of yourself and be thankful that your company recognizes your hard work.

You Have A Life Outside Of Work 

Work-life balance may seem like a fantasy for some industries, but it actually exists when you’re in the right workplace. A 2023 report by Randstad shows that 94% of employees believe that having a work-life balance is important, yet only 78% of respondents claimed to have achieved it. Being in a work environment that encourages you to spend time outside of work to discover new hobbies, bonding with friends and family, and enjoying your personal time is something to appreciate.

While work may hold great importance in your life, it should not define your entire existence. Recognizing that there is more to life than just work will let you lead a more fulfilling and well-rounded lifestyle. You’ll get to enjoy the small moments, create lasting memories, and ultimately find a sense of purpose beyond your career. 

Embracing this perspective can lead to a happier, more meaningful life that you can be grateful for this Thanksgiving season.