“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life,” Confucius once said, highlighting the importance of job satisfaction as far back as 500 BC.

The myth of perfectionism sets up a sense of failure right at the start- Diane Bascetta

It is no surprise that his teachings were later turned into an elaborate set of rules and practices.

However, the concept of job satisfaction strikes many as being idealistic and intangible. How else would one explain why thousands of people remain stuck in a role they are not compatible with or are not enjoying?

Is it because it is so much simpler to get stuck in a rut and get out of our comfort zone? How is one able to attain a status of complete job satisfaction? These questions lead yet to another question: “How hard is it to find a job you love that is truly satisfying?”

Identifying one’s satisfaction is probably the starting point. What one may find motivating may be a total nightmare for somebody else. What one should first look into is analysing the individualistic and personal meaning that defines the term ‘job’, ‘career’ or ‘passion’.

The right role for you is worth looking for and it is also important that one does not give up in the process, possibly settling for something less than ideal.

So what constitutes the ideal situation? Is it salary that drives your passion, or perhaps the relationship and daily experience with co-workers?

This so-called ‘satisfaction’ has always struck me as one that deserves further exploration.

I recently came across, and was intrigued by, the effectiveness of the ‘Life’s too short for the wrong job’ marketing campaign.

The campaign, spearheaded by the German recruitment website jobsintown.de, aims at pulling people out of the mould and finding them their perfect job. This may lead us to understand that many people feel ‘restricted’ in their current roles.

The campaign was created in 2006 to introduce the idea that there are people behind machines who are hard at work in cramped spaces. If one is tired of working a nine-to-five job in a cramped office, perhaps it is time to move on. Life is indeed too short.

It may be safe to say that yes, it is a fact that life is too short to bear the brunt of having to ‘tolerate’ going to work on a daily basis when what you do does not reflect your inner passion.

For many of us, the idea of having a job that doesn’t feel like work anymore is fictitious, idealistic and one simply left to be enjoyed by dreamers. Career dreams are one thing, whereas practical reality is often another some would argue.

What are the odds for the two coinciding? One should seize the opportunity if it arises and enjoy the experience.

Having job satisfaction doesnot necessarily mean you’d also have a glamorous career – nor does it mean that it is the hobby you should be making money from.

What if we could actually work towards the feelingof job satisfaction even if it is not there at the moment?

Changing attitude and expectations may be the core elements that can lead to job satisfaction. What if we approached workdifferently and understood what makes us tick as individuals. Could this cause happiness at the workplace?

Some would argue that there are various approaches to work, depending on whether one looks at it from the job, career or passion lens.

Satisfaction levels may in fact vary. If one views it as a job, compensation received from holding a particular position appeals more than anything else.

If one is working at a career, personal development, status and power are the driving forces.

Regardless of financial remuneration, working with passion definitely increases satisfaction levels, regardless of the so-called prestige the job may carry with it.

These are, of course, generalisations that, however, make one stop and think.

Self-awareness, challenges, a balanced lifestyle and a sense of purpose at work would probably be some of the key ingredients to this concoction.

The myth of perfectionism sets up a sense of failure right at the start due to the fact that it is an impossible ideal. It can also stop you from even getting started.

Taking your strengths and weaknesses into account, as well as learning to be effective and efficient and non-pessimistic can do wonders and move mountains.

Self-confidence could be the foundation stone of any ambitious and upwardly mobile person, regardless of whether you are applying for a job, considering a change of career or simply keen to make the most of life. It makes sense to stop and take stock of your confidence rating.

No matter how little confidence you have at the moment, it can be increased and lead to job satisfaction.

Ms Bascetta is marketing executive, CSB Group.