What drives long-term career satisfaction? It’s all about the job

When it comes to career satisfaction, professionals often face a crucial question: Is it more important to have a great manager or a great job? While both factors can play a role in shaping an employee’s experience at the workplace, Amanda Chuan, General Manager of HR at The Hour Glass, advocates for the importance of a fulfilling role over great leadership.

“As a Group HR expert, I prioritise having a great job over having a great manager because a fulfilling job provides a foundation for long-term personal and professional growth,” Chuan shared with HRM Asia. While acknowledging the importance of effective leadership, she believes that the core of job satisfaction often stems from the work itself.

“A great job challenges, inspires, and allows for creativity, innovation, and skill development. It offers clear goals, a sense of purpose, and opportunities to make meaningful impact,” she explained. In a world where work increasingly aligns with personal values, Chuan believes that the right role can provide professionals with lasting fulfilment, well beyond the influence of any one manager.

The evolving nature of today’s work environment underscores Chuan’s perspective. As industries rapidly change and adapt to technological and economic shifts, the responsibilities and scope of a role can often determine a professional’s motivation and satisfaction.

“In a dynamic and fast-changing workplace environment, the scope of one’s role and responsibilities play a more significant role in driving motivation and satisfaction,” she said. This viewpoint highlights the need for employees to cultivate independence, resilience, and adaptability, qualities that are becoming essential for thriving in unpredicted business landscapes.

While a great manager can provide guidance and mentorship, they may not always be around. According to Chuan, “A fulfilling job fosters independence, helping professionals navigate and thrive even in challenging management structures.” The ability to grow and learn within a role, regardless of management, helps professionals build resilience and adaptability—two crucial traits for success in the future of work.

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She also highlighted how the experiences and knowledge gained from a meaningful job can have a lasting impact on career development. “While a great manager may change, the experiences, knowledge, and satisfaction gained from a meaningful job endure, ultimately leading to a more self-sustained and rewarding career trajectory,” she said.

Chuan’s insights provide a compelling perspective on the ongoing conversation around job satisfaction. She highlighted that while great leadership is important, the true source of sustained career fulfilment lies in the work itself. “This choice influences overall career growth by enhancing adaptability, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset,” she concluded, underlining that the qualities nurtured through a meaningful job are what drive long-term success.