Have you ever been in a place where you felt completely in sync with your job? Where the issues were challenging but surmountable, the environment was uplifting, and your contributions were recognized and valued?

Those moments of alignment are what I refer to as "green flags"—the signs that you're not just in a good job, but the right job for you.

The Positive Impact of Being in the Right Position

Being in the right job is not just about satisfaction during working hours. This positive alignment has ripple effects that impact your overall well-being, motivation, and even your personal life. When evaluating your career satisfaction, we need to adopt a holistic view that considers both your work and its broader impact on your life.

Here are some of the key green flags to look for that indicate you’re in the right role:

Consistent Engagement and Drive
When you wake up on a workday, do you feel energized and driven? This isn’t just about not dreading the day, but about looking forward to what’s in store. Tasks feels purposeful, you feel like you make a difference, and you're keen to tackle challenges head-on.

Personal and Professional Growth
Do you feel like you’re evolving, not just as a professional but as an individual? When your company provides avenues for you to learn and invites you to step out of your comfort zone in a safe but challenging way that is in alignment with the direction you envision for yourself, it’s a sign that you’re in the right place!

Alignment with Your Personal Values
Do you feel a sense of pride when you tell people where you work.? This is a sign that your company's ethos and values resonate with your own, making you feel like you're part of something bigger.

Beyond your individual role, we also want to look at your overall professional environment. Let's dive deeper into these signs.

Green Flags: Recognizing When You're Where You Need to Be

Fulfillment and Job Satisfaction
It’s okay to occasionally feel down about going to work, like at the end of a great weekend or vacation when you need to switch back into work mode. But if they’re few and far between, it’s not a bad sign! No job is perfect every day, but if the majority of your time is spent feeling accomplished, valued, and fulfilled, you’re probably in the right place.

Opportunities for Advancement
You should see a clear path for where you can (and want to!) progress. If you can visualize your future with the company and that feels like vision you want for yourself, this is a really positive sign.

In Sync with Company Culture
Do you feel like you “fit in” with your company’s culture? Or even better – do you feel like you can thrive there? These are indications that your company’s culture complements your own personal work style and ethos. If there’s mutual respect, understanding, and a sense of community, take it a sign that your company’s values are in sync with your own.

Work-Life Balance:
If you are feeling like you can create the space that you need for your personal life, then your company likely respects boundaries and promotes a healthy balance. This is much better than feeling drained or like you have to sacrifice your personal time for work. There may need to be an occasional give-and-take, but if you feel like you are balanced more often than not, then it’s a great sign that you can maintain a fulfilling personal life alongside your career.

Recognition and Fair Compensation
Are your efforts regularly acknowledged, and do you feel fairly compensated for your role? It’s essential that your contributions are recognized in ways that resonate with you.

Trust and Transparency with Leadership
Do you feel like there’s open communication between employees and leadership at your company? If you see decisions as being transparent, and there’s a mutual trust that empowers you to do your best, then you’re at a company where you will likely thrive!

Valuing the Green Flags

Spotting these green flags doesn’t mean there won’t be challenging days or moments of doubt. Challenges and down days are a normal part of life. But when there are way more good days than bad, that’s an indicator that the good far outweighs the bad, and that you’re in a place that aligns with your career goals and personal values.

So, while it’s essential to be vigilant about red flags, it's equally, if not more, important to recognize and appreciate the green flags. They're a sign that you’re on the right path, and that your current position is a stepping stone to the career you envision for yourself.

Remember: Being in the right job doesn't mean it's easy; it does mean it's worth it.