Over at What Consumes Me, Bud Cadell has a great Venn diagram depicting the three aspects of work that intersect to produce happiness. This great diagram really captures the essence of achieving durable fulfillment in your work.
And because your work will comprise a large amount of the time you spend living your life, it’s incredibly important to have a clear sense of how these three aspects (1. What we do well, 2. What we want to do… and 3. What we can be paid to do) intersect in your job to influence your overall happiness and fulfillment. This applies to both the job you currently have, and the “dream job” or career that you’ve always imagined.
For more on happiness, see:
Expectations Determine Happiness
Happiness, Engagement and Love in Video Games
Money Can Buy You Happiness, But Friends Costs a Lot Less
Positive Emotions Foster Creativity
Searching for Happiness