The 4 types of workers: Which one are you?

They often say that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. But what about those who don’t particularly enjoy their jobs or are simply indifferent? Depending on your sentiments towards your current job, you can fall into one of four distinct worker categories. Let’s dive deeper into each category to give you a comprehensive understanding of where you might fit.

Introducing the Job Lover

The Job Lover is the epitome of passion and dedication in the workplace. These individuals are head over heels for their work and have no plans of leaving anytime soon. They find joy and fulfilment in their daily tasks, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

Job lovers prioritise a healthy work-life balance, seeking flexibility in their roles to accommodate their other responsibilities and passions. They thrive on nurturing relationships with their colleagues and understand the profound impact their job has on their overall life satisfaction.

Proud of their accomplishments, they belong to the 29% of Australians and New Zealanders who proudly classify themselves as job lovers. Interestingly, the Education sector houses the highest number of job lovers, with 31% of the workforce in this industry falling into this category.

Read more: Does wellbeing start at work? The reasons why a positive workplace can improve your health

Now, let’s meet the Job Opportunists

The Job Opportunists are those who genuinely like their jobs but are open to exploring better opportunities that may come their way. This category is the most prevalent among workers in Australia and New Zealand, with a whopping 58% falling into this group. Here’s an intriguing tidbit: 87% of employees in the Retail industry classify themselves as job opportunists!

These individuals value a competitive salary and benefits package from their employers. They understand the importance of financial stability and seek opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers. Moreover, they prioritise flexibility in order to balance their role with other aspects of their lives, be it family, personal pursuits, or other interests. They find motivation in the possibility of taking their skills and experience to new heights and are always on the lookout for exciting opportunities to further their professional journey.

Read more: How to take charge of your professional development

Discover the Unhappy Stayers

As the name suggests, these individuals are discontent with their current jobs but aren’t quite ready to leave just yet. Whether it’s due to concerns about job security or personal reasons, the Unhappy Stayers make up 10% of the workforce in Australia and New Zealand. Interestingly, the Construction industry houses a significant portion of this category.

These individuals often grapple with the decision to stay or seek greener pastures. While they may feel unsatisfied in their current roles, external factors keep them from taking the leap. Like the job opportunists, the Unhappy Stayers also prioritise competitive salary and benefits, as well as flexibility to align their job with other aspects of their lives.

However, what sets them apart is their emphasis on supportive leadership. They desire guidance and mentorship from their superiors, hoping that a change in leadership or work environment could reignite their passion for their careers.

Read more: 7 Great reasons why you should switch jobs

And finally, the Eager Leavers

The Eager Leavers are those individuals who absolutely despise their jobs and are itching to make an exit. Although only 4% of respondents fall into this category, a surprising 6% of Retail workers identify themselves as Eager Leavers.

These individuals find themselves trapped in roles that bring them no joy or fulfilment. They yearn for a drastic change and are actively seeking new opportunities to escape their current predicament. They, too, place value on a competitive compensation package, supportive leadership and management, flexibility, and a reasonable workload.

They believe that a fresh start in a different work environment can offer them the happiness and satisfaction they crave.

Read more: 5 signs it’s time to quit your job

So, which worker type resonates with you the most?

Dive into our 2023 Feel Good Index Report and discover where you fit in the spectrum of job satisfaction. Gain valuable insights into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling career and explore strategies to improve your overall work experience.

After all, understanding your own job satisfaction is the first step towards finding happiness and fulfilment in your professional life.