5 Things To Look For If You're On The Hunt For A Job That Feels Meaningful

The average full-time work week in America is roughly 40 hours long — which means you’ll probably spend more time working than hanging out with your friends, bonding with your family, traveling, or really any activity you like to do. When you think of it that way, it’s so important to find a job that doesn’t just pay bills, but is something you actually enjoy — not to mention something that makes a real impact on the world.

Loving what you do may sound like a cliché, but I promise you, it’s crucial. The relationship between your job and overall quality of life has been studied extensively, with researchers suggesting that career satisfaction is associated with higher life satisfaction. Called the spillover hypothesis, it's the reason why companies like Kenvue — the consumer health business that recently separated from Johnson & Johnson — are committed to offering empowering careers that have a direct impact on consumers’ lives.

Via iconic brands like Neutrogena®, Listerine®, Band-Aid® Brand Adhesive Bandages, and Tylenol®, Kenvue team members deliver realistic health solutions (that are also backed by science) into the hands of approximately 1.2 billion people globally, every day.

Just starting your job search? Know this: Many careers last longer than your longest relationship, so your vetting process should be just as intense. We talked to several Kenvue team members to learn their thoughts on how to find a job that’s more than just a paycheck.

Here are five things to look for if you’re on the hunt for a new job that’s actually meaningful.

1. Strong Organizational Values That Align With Your Own

Most organizations have a mission that shapes its culture and guides its actions. Resonating with these values on a personal level can bring a greater sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to your work, as well as increase the likelihood of finding a cultural fit where you can thrive. When Cristina Barra, Head of Innovation US Body Care, first interviewed at Kenvue, the company’s priorities instantly made her feel connected to her future role.

“Putting people first and caring fiercely, two of Kenvue’s values, stuck out immediately to me as they were intrinsically aligned with my own individual values and my desire to have a profound impact on people’s well-being,” Barra tells Bustle. “Aligning your job search to what is core to your values, to your passions, and to what is truly meaningful to you is for sure the first step [in your job search].”

2. Team Member Retention

Asking about retention rates and how long other team members have been working in their roles can tell you a lot about a company. High retention can be a positive indicator that these professionals enjoy their jobs, feel comfortable in their work environment, and are compensated fairly.

Nkeruka “Kay” Okonmah-Sanders, Head of Healthcare Professional Marketing — US Skin Health, has been at Kenvue for 15 years. As a check-in, she asks herself this question twice a year: “If I won the lottery today, would I go into work tomorrow?”

The answer has been a resounding ‘yes,’ reaffirming her enthusiasm for the role that allows her to help people make better, more informed health choices every day.

3. Ample Growth Opportunity

The ability to grow and advance within a company can be a positive sign that an organization is willing to invest in you beyond providing your paycheck, but rather to help you further develop your skills and foster your career growth.

Jennifer Gow, Senior Director of Pain & Cold, appreciates the people development, coaching, and mentorship Kenvue has provided to her, and even serves as a mentor herself.

“In this business we over-invest in making sure people get the training, development and opportunities to progress in their career journeys,” Gow shares. “Every career is unique, so I love partnering with people to help them define the direction they want to take and get the experience to set them up for success.”

4. A Commitment To Diversity

A diverse workplace shows that a company acknowledges the individual strengths of each team member and the potential their differences bring to the table. Plus, studies show that a commitment to diversity means better performance levels, as an inclusive environment fosters both personal and professional growth.

When Okonmah-Sanders first came into her role, she noticed a lack of diversity in the field of dermatology, which surprised and concerned her. So she did something about it, bringing it up in conversations with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and collaborating with others at Kenvue to make strides in the right direction.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse set of students and future dermatologists for the last two years,” Okonmah-Sanders explains. “It’s amazing to know that we are helping to shape the future of healthcare in this country.”

5. The Ability To Make A Real Difference

Seeing the impact your role has on everyday lives is invaluable, and can provide fulfillment long after your workday is done. When Gow first began her career in a different industry, she struggled to feel like she was making a difference. But once she joined Kenvue and learned about the daily impact its over-the-counter products have on people’s well-being, she realized the extraordinary power of everyday care (which just so happens to be the company’s purpose) and instantly knew she was exactly where she belonged.

“I didn’t know a lot about Imodium when I started working on it, but when I talked to people who require that convenience when traveling and learned that in order to leave the house they often have to pre-identify restrooms and rely on Imodium to get through their day, I realized the work was incredibly important,” Gow admits. “I have a hand-written letter on my desk from a woman who wrote to Tylenol to thank us for providing her with safe pain relief so she can enjoy her life with her grandchildren, validating our impact [on everyday lives].”

What makes work meaningful can look different for everyone, but knowing what to look for is the first step to landing your dream career.

Learn more about Kenvue careers.

This post was sponsored by Kenvue.