Being happy at work is important for most people, but it can be of particular importance to cancer patients and survivors who are working through treatment.

At Cancer and Careers, we hear often from survivors who say that the experience of cancer can be all-consuming, and that one of the reasons why working through treatment is helpful is that their job gives them something to focus on besides their health. For many, it makes them feel “normal” again. Therefore, it’s critical that the time they spend at work is time they enjoy.

A recent article on the News.com.au website examines the ways in which employees categorize their jobs and offers tips for how to get the most satisfaction out of your work.

According to the article, Yale psychologist Amy Wrzesniewski found that “people who describe their work as a calling [as opposed to a job or a career] report greater happiness and higher satisfaction with their lives and work.”

Obviously not everyone is able to view their job in this light. There are many reasons that determine why people take — or stay in — a particular position, and often those reasons are very practical. Similarly, it’s not always easy to change jobs when we want to — or to find a job if we’re currently unemployed. Still, the key is to find value in what you do — including daily tasks — and understand the impact your work can have on others.

The article suggests that by assessing your “work orientation” (i.e., whether you view your work as a job, a career or a calling), recognizing the importance of your work, and redefining your job description, you can increase motivation, productivity and happiness.

To read the entire article, click here.

If you’re thinking of  embarking on a new career, check out our section on Exploring Your Options, including our article on how a cancer experience can inspire a change in jobs.