Fixing This Won't Make You Love Your Job

 
two factor motivation.jpg

The two factor theory of motivation holds that job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction are two distinct things. In other words, it's possible to be both satisfied and dissatisfied with your job at the same time. 

This means that fixing what you hate about your job will only make you NOT hate your job - it won't actually make you like it. 

This is different from the common view that if you don't dislike your job, you must like it. Although this theory has its detractors, I've not seen another theory that works better.

How Does It Work?

The theory splits factors into motivating factors and hygeine factors. Motivating factors are those factors that motivate you to show up and WANT do your job. Hygeine factors are those factors that, if not done right, make you hate your job.

For example, job security is generally a hygeine factor. Terrible job security could really make you hate your job but great job security on the other hand is unlikely by itself to make you love your work.

MOTIVATING FACTORS

Although these factors are different for each of us, here are a few factors which are consistently related to job satisfaction:

  • challenging, meaningful work

  • recognition

  • responsibility

  • growth

HYGEINE FACTORS

Similarly, these factors are consistently associated with job dissatisfaction:

  • company policies

  • supervision (little autonomy)

  • relationship with supervisor and peers

  • work conditions

  • salary

  • status

  • security

Surprisingly, money falls into this second list. It makes sense that being paid poorly could make you hate your job, but this would mean that:

Being paid well won't make you actually WANT to do your job...  

So if you don't want to be a lawyer or accountant and you get a $30,000 raise, you're still not going to want to be a lawyer or accountant. According to the theory, fixing a poor salary will only make you not hate your job - it won't actually make you love it. 

What Does This Mean For You?

If you realize you're motivated by work that matters, I bet that you'll always be motivated by work that matters. Same for responsibility, or growth, or anything else that motivates you. It's not a job-by-job thing. Once you find what motivates you, it should apply across jobs. 

Hygeine factors clearly differ from job to job. That shitty boss, those catty coworkers, and that terrible commute are specific to that job. 

So, if you're still looking for what motivates you, keep looking. Try wildly different things. 

And if you know what motivates you but you're unhappy where you are? Try to find a different job with better hygeine.

Let me know how this plays out in your life on Instagram, on Facebook, or below in the comments.

 
Paul KarvanisComment