Canadians say fulfilling work is more important than high pay

Quick, which do you think employees find more important, fulfilling work or making gobs o' money?

OK, my answer would be "both" too, but pretend you can't say that. From what I've been seeing over the last several years, I would answer fulfilling work, hands down. Here's a recent study out of Canada that supports that notion.

More Canadians are looking for a job that is challenging and rewarding, as opposed to one with high wages and a quick climb up the corporate ladder, according to an online poll.

The results appear to mesh well with trends being seen by career counsellors, with intangible career expectations receiving more attention from job seekers.

Results of the poll, based on the responses of 4,721 participants at Monster.ca, showed 53 per cent of job seekers are looking for "challenging work that is fulfilling." This is in contrast to 27 per cent who were looking for "financial gain and advancement" and 20 per cent who preferred "job security, even if it means a less challenging role."

Here was a tidbit the cultural-diversity-geek in me found fascinating...

Results on the French-language site were even more stark, with 70 per cent of respondents looking for personal gratification over high compensation and job security.

And finally, here's a little slice of what is giving me so much hope for the future...

Dawn Legault, director of career development at Carleton University in Ottawa, said the results mirror the attitudes of students moving into the workforce. She said young people are more concerned about finding an organization that fits their lifestyle and values rather than one that will provide superior compensation.

What do you think? Does the fulfillment vs. money priority reflect your experience out there? (Yes, even you non-Canucks can answer.)

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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst ^TM