Real Men Have Good Jobs

As we break glass ceilings and ascend higher into the American “Me Too” era, women and men are taking fresh looks at their roles in our transforming society. While in past generations, a “real man” was tough, macho, suave with the ladies, and most importantly the sole breadwinner in a family, the image of a “real man” is rapidly changing.

Today a “real man” in America is someone who respects others, takes time to be a father, and helps people in his community — all while managing to be personally satisfied in a world that, frankly, sometimes feels like a winner-takes-all prize fight. On that last point, if a “real man” is someone who manages to find satisfaction and happiness in our world, what is a sure fire path to do it?

A Man’s Path To Happiness

A recent article in “Quartz,” highlighted a study conducted by the men’s grooming company Harry’s and University College London psychologist John Barry, which looked specifically at American masculinity. The 2018 Harry’s Masculinity Report surveyed 5,000 men ages 18-95 across the US and asked questions about happiness, confidence, emotional stability, motivation, optimism, and a sense of being in control. Men were also asked about their careers, relationships, money, work-life balance, physical health, mental health, and personal values.

The researchers found that the strongest predictor, by far, of men’s happiness and well-being was their job satisfaction. Quartz reported, “This measure, the study finds, is influenced by whether men feel they are using their own unique talents at work, whether they are surrounded by a diverse set of perspectives, how easily and often they can chat with co-workers, whether they feel their opinions are valued, and whether they’re inspired by the people they work with.”

So, if the data is correct, the path to modern masculinity is not Tinder or mastering the perfect smoldering look across the room, it’s actually taking the time to develop the right skills and identify and pursue the right employers so that you can achieve the kind of job satisfaction that will bring you happiness, and, therefore, “real manliness.”

4 Tips For Finding Great Jobs

Could you use some tips on how to find the right job? Here are a few from the recruiting team at Xemplar Workforce Solutions, the long-term employment experts and the #1 rated employment agency in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1. Find Your Passion – Pursue a career path that you can get passionate about. Work can be a grind if you are not doing something that fits your personality. What are you naturally good at? What activities enable you to achieve “flow” (when you are operating at your best and times flies by)?
2. Research The Right Path – Good careers have a path that is generally followed. They have good, rising pay as you advance. They have strong long-term prospects. Do the work and have the conversations to be sure that your career path fits these criteria.
3. Acquire The Right Tools – The best jobs generally require some foundational training or education. This may be on-the-job within certain roles or in school. For instance, many people are recognizing the value of trades schools, where the cost is low and you can study while you are working. Then, literally, many jobs require tools such as electrical diagnostic equipment or mechanic tools.
4. Find The Right Employer – A bad habit these days is putting all the work into developing your career and then taking the first job offer that comes along. Remember that “real manliness” comes from job satisfaction, not from just having a job. The best way to find a good job is to take your time, research the best employers in your field, approach them methodically and maintaining high standards as your investigate opportunities. Confidence in yourself and your career potential will enable you to find the right fit.

Remember that in this “Me Too” era, we are recognizing that men and women, when it comes to work, are not all that different. Job satisfaction is hugely important to women as well and these steps above can also be used by women to find their right jobs and valuable job satisfaction.

Are you searching for a better employer or looking to pursue a new rewarding, high-paying career? Contact, Salt Lake City’s #1 rated employment agency, Xemplar Workforce Solutions today to learn more about job opportunities that may fit your long-term career plans. The Xemplar recruiting team excels in matchmaking professionals with top-quality employers in manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, automation, industrial trades services, and other industries. More information about Xemplar can be found at www.xemplar.com.

Xemplar Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.