Just a few decades ago, the American Dream meant personal wealth and a dream house in the suburbs to most people. During the booming post-war economy, these things weren’t extremely difficult to achieve thanks to the excessive job opportunities the country had to offer.
View our infographic for more on the new American Dream!
Today, the idea behind the American Dream has evolved, becoming more about finding fulfilling and meaningful work and less about that white picket fence. The new American Dream influences people to achieve a sense of purpose, and it changed the way employers open themselves to their employees and provide high-quality working conditions and compassionate management.
3 Steps to Meaningful Work
To make your career more meaningful , you must:
- Understand your individual role in the organization
- Visualize a clear path to achieve your professional ambitions while supporting your company’s goals
- Recognize that your work has a positive impact on yourself and others
According to a 2015 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, respectful treatment, trust between staff and management, and work benefits were the top three factors that workers look for in a fulfilling job. If you want to grow in your current role, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Be able to make independent decisions, be accountable for them and see the value in them
- Play a role in defining your career path, as well as the direction and focus of the company
- Make time to devote to your family and life outside of work
- Your individuality should be supported and you should be encouraged to offer your unique perspectives
- Have control over your own schedule in order to complete your work effectively and on time
In today’s society, people take a different approach to achieving the American dream than they did just one generation ago. Rather than seeking fame and fortune, people care more about having an education and a diverse skill set in order to find meaningful work – work that truly makes a difference in the world and allows for a work/life balance.