5 Things You Absolutely Deserve From Your Job - The Muse

5 Things You Absolutely Deserve From Your Job - The Muse5 Things You Absolutely Deserve From Your JobI have news for you Theres no such thing as a perfect job. Even the careers that seem like they jumped straight from your dreams and into reality have their downsides- thats why theres a paycheck involved.But, while you might never love every aspect of your job, there are a few things that you absolutely deserve to get from your career- aside from enough money to titelseite your bills.Believe me, I get it. Its easy to think that wanting and needing these things makes you picky, entitled, or high-maintenance. Youre getting paid to be there, so how much else do you really need? Well, think about it this way Youre going to invest a large chunk of your time, energy, and attention into your job. That means that a work environment that checks the following boxes isnt something that you should consider to be meant for just the lucky few- its something you deserve just as much. 1. A Safe and Supportive EnvironmentLets start with the basics. Youre more than worthy of feeling safe and supported in your arbeitszimmer. You should be able to bring your authentic self (your authentic professional self, of course) into work and not feel worried or threatened when doing so.Rest assured that your expectations in regards to feeling secure in your surroundings arent unreasonable or out of line. Nobody should have to head into the office day in and day out wondering whos going to throw them under the bus or stab them in the back. Youre entitled to a basic sense of respect and a company culture that isnt overflowing with toxicity. 2. A Boss Whos Invested in Your GrowthWhen it comes to your career, your manager should be your greatest ally. They should be in the loop on your desires and plans for professional development and provide necessary support and guidance whenever they can.If you feel like your supervisor is always undermining your accomplishments, offering criticisms that ar e in no way constructive, and is completely disinterested in your growth and advancement, know that youre justified in wanting more. Your anfhrer doesnt necessarily have to be your biggest cheerleader, but they should at least be in your corner. 3. An Understanding of Your Life Outside of WorkWork is a big part of your life- but its still only a part. Its not the entirety of your existence, and youre entitled to an employer who understands that fact. Endless pings and emails when your team knows youre away and unplugged. Major hurdles and complaints when you have a family emergency to deal with. Relentless guilt trips when you finally take a well-deserved vacation. Those are things you shouldnt have to deal with on a regular basis. You deserve a life outside of your job- and an employer who encourages you to live one. 4. An Appreciation for Your ContributionsTheres dignity in all work. Your job exists for a reason. Regardless of your specific role, youre serving your company in some important way- whether youre in the mail room or in the corner office.That means you shouldnt ever be made to feel worthless. You should pack up and head home every evening knowing that your contributions matter and are respected by the people that you work with. No, you shouldnt expect ice cream cakes and celebrations in your honor each and every week. But, theres a big difference between that excessive level of recognition and simply feeling heard and valued for what you bring to the table. 5. A Sense of FulfillmentMaybe you arent doing work that you consider to be particularly world-changing. But, you still deserve a job that gives you some level of fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Perhaps you spend your days making things run smoothly in the office, and you find it rewarding that you can make life easier for your co-workers. Or, perhaps your interactions with your clients and your ability to help and serve them is what leaves you feeling gratified at the end of the day.What constitutes a meaningful career is different for everyone, but you should get at least some degree of personal satisfaction from what you do. Work isnt always fun or glamorous- thats exactly why we all get paid to be there. But, just because you head home with a paycheck doesnt mean that everything else is forgiven.When we all spend so much of our lives in the office, I like to think that we deserve more from our jobs than just a months worth of rent. So, yes, you can call me entitled or needy or spoiled. But, in response, Ill go ahead and use a different word to describe myself and my career happy.