Have you ever listened to a gruff, bald entrepreneur wax lyrical about the crystalline shape of a chandelier? I have, as part of what I call my Love and Work Research Road Trip. Whether I’m at yoga, out to dinner, or on an errand, if I see someone excited about work or evidence of this excitement in my surroundings, I get supercurious. Who did this? How did they get into this job and line of work? Do they feel as much magic in their work as I do on the receiving end? One of my colleagues knew all about my Research Road Trip and suggested we visit the downtown San Diego restaurant Herb & Wood. I took in the sight of the massive marble bar, the ultrahigh wood-beamed warehouse ceilings, and the large brick fireplace encircled by giant palm fronds, then sought out the owner, Chris Puffer, to discuss chandeliers and much more.
Greg Mably
What Is a Good Job?
It’s where you feel seen for being the best version of yourself.
September 19, 2022
· Long read
Summary.
Research shows that people consider a job to be a good one when it not only pays fairly and allows a worker to do what they’re good at but also makes them feel seen for being their best self. If you have a good job, you sense that your colleagues have your back; you don’t experience discrimination; you feel your position is secure; and you have confidence that you’ll get help navigating constant changes in the working world. Gender and race can affect whether you have these feelings, as does whether you’re on a team and how you experience stress.
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Career Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Career Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
What's your next career move? Learn how to set yourself up for success.