Section 1.1: The Four Elements of a Dream Job

To clarify my thoughts, I found it useful to break down what constitutes an ideal job into four essential components. Are all of these satisfied, or at least three? If only two are met, it might indicate that a better opportunity is out there.

1. Living Location: Would relocating be necessary for another position? If so, are you content in your current city or town? Consider your living situation and how often you enjoy your weekends in your area. Do you have favorite hangouts? Are there supportive friends around you? How long is your commute?
2. Job Content: Are you satisfied with the daily tasks your job entails? Do you look forward to going to work? Would you prefer working from home instead? Are you able to express your ideas in your field, or do you feel stifled? Is there constructive communication in meetings?
3. Colleagues and Work Environment: Do you feel valued by your employer? Is your relationship with coworkers positive? Are you equipped with the resources you need for your role? Can you focus during your productive hours without interruptions?
4. Boss/Supervisor: How effectively can you express your needs to your supervisor? Are your accomplishments acknowledged? Can you discuss productivity issues openly? If you face mental health challenges, do you feel comfortable discussing them? Is your boss encouraging you to rest or pushing you to work overtime? If you underperform, does your supervisor provide constructive feedback or merely react emotionally?

Each component may come with justifications that could skew your evaluation. For instance, if you've recently moved for a job and are struggling to find enjoyable activities, it can diminish the importance of your living situation in your assessment.

The first video titled "FIND THE PERFECT JOB!" discusses how to identify what you truly want in your career and offers practical tips for job seekers.

Section 1.2: Weighing Your Priorities

If you've transitioned to a new city for employment but find it lacking in personal fulfillment, consider these questions: Are you yearning for a rural lifestyle while living in a bustling city? Did you relocate to a town without cultural activities you enjoy? Do you feel like an outsider due to your recent move?

Reflect on whether your current job serves merely as a stepping stone to your ultimate career aspirations. Ask yourself: Have you established clear criteria for when to abandon jobs that cause you distress? Is this position aiding your journey toward your dream career? Are you acquiring relevant skills? Are your colleagues or supervisor supportive of your aspirations?

Consider the nature of your relationships with colleagues outside of work. Would you like to maintain friendships after leaving? If they insist on forging a bond, do you want to keep your personal life separate? The dynamics with your boss also play a crucial role. For instance, a Ph.D. supervisor may not provide mentorship but can assist with crucial deadlines and funding.

Section 2.1: Strategies for Decision-Making

Start by determining which structural elements are essential for you, then delve into specifics. I often approach this by:

1. Identifying which questions matter most to you.
2. Allocating a total of 100 points across the four key areas mentioned earlier.
3. Assigning an additional 100 points to the selected questions within each area.
4. In a second column, rating your satisfaction for each question on a scale of 5% to 95%.

Next, consider whether you'd resign today, and hypothesize where you'd likely be in a year. Reassess the questions and estimate the percentages for the new job. Multiply these percentages by the points assigned to each question and by the section total. If the score for leaving is significantly higher, it may be time to explore new opportunities.

Be mindful that your current mood can skew your judgment about potential job satisfaction. To mitigate this, repeat your assessments at varying stress levels—perhaps a Monday morning versus a relaxed Saturday.

I hope this framework helps you navigate feelings of job dissatisfaction more effectively.

Section 2.2: Identifying Red Flags

In each of the four areas discussed, be vigilant for red flags that signal potential risks: If too many arise, it may be wise to consider leaving your position.

Red Flags Related to Your Supervisor/Ph.D. Mentor:

• Difficulty in scheduling meetings with your supervisor.
• A supervisor who prefers solitude and excludes students from projects may not support your career development.
• If the focus is solely on publishing papers at the expense of skill-building, it may be time to reconsider your position.
• Does your supervisor respect your productive hours, or do they expect work outside normal hours?

While numerous red flags exist, keeping an eye on these initial ones is crucial. Above all, ensure that you feel safe and supported in your role.