Imagine this: You’re sitting on the balcony of a cozy beach house, laptop open, salty air in your lungs and the soothing sounds of waves rolling in. You’re working, but somehow, the day feels lighter, easier. The to-do list that might overwhelm you in a different setting now seems completely manageable.
This was me, the past 12 days, while working remotely from the Jersey Shore. And let me tell you, there’s something about this place that makes everything — even work — feel better. It’s not just the ocean or the sunrises, though they certainly don’t hurt! There’s something deeper going on here, and it’s got me thinking about what really makes a job feel like a dream job, even when you’re working hard.
The truth is, whether you’re working from a beach house or a corporate office, real job satisfaction comes from five core elements: Autonomy, Purpose, Mastery, Connection and Flexibility. These factors shape how we engage with work and, when present, turn any job into one that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and yes, even joyful.
Let’s break them down and explore how each one plays a role in creating a truly fulfilling career.
1. Autonomy: The Freedom To Own Your Work
On the beach, it was just me, my tasks and the freedom to tackle them in my own way. Autonomy isn’t just about having the ability to work remotely; it’s about having control over how and when you get things done.
In a world where micromanagement runs rampant, autonomy stands out as a top driver of job satisfaction. According to a study by the University of Birmingham, employees with control over their work reported significantly higher levels of job satisfaction and well-being. Think about it — when was the last time you felt micromanaged and satisfied at the same time? I’ll bet never.
Autonomy allows you to use your strengths, prioritize your time and find your flow — which not only boosts your performance but also makes work far more enjoyable. So, whether you're answering emails by the ocean or making decisions in a boardroom, having the ability to own your work is essential for long-term fulfillment.
Beach Lesson: Even though I was still working at the shore, the fact that I had control over my when (after a long sunrise beach walks with my dog Angel) made the entire experience feel easier and more enjoyable.
2. Purpose: The Bigger Picture Behind The Work
Purpose is the engine that drives you forward, even when the work feels tough. In the calm of a sunrise over the ocean, I had plenty of moments to reflect on why I do what I do — and it’s always about more than just ticking off tasks. Purpose connects your daily work to something bigger, something that matters.
A sense of purpose doesn’t just motivate you — it energizes you. It’s the difference between working a job and building a career. Research shows that employees who feel their work has meaning are more engaged, productive and happier. Purpose is a game-changer because it aligns your work with your values and goals, making even the most mundane tasks feel like they contribute to something meaningful.
Beach Lesson: Working near the ocean, with its endless horizon, reminded me of the larger impact of my work. It’s easy to feel disconnected from purpose when you’re knee-deep in emails, but stepping back, I realized how every task ties into a bigger goal — helping people find their own fulfilling careers.
3. Mastery: The Joy Of Getting Better
There’s something deeply satisfying about improving at what you do. Mastery isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth. It’s the process of becoming better, learning new skills and taking pride in your progress.
When you’re in an environment that fosters mastery, work becomes much more than a paycheck — it becomes a place for personal and professional growth. Whether it’s learning a new software, refining your public speaking skills or just getting better at managing your time, the pursuit of mastery keeps you engaged and fulfilled.
Beach Lesson: Even on the shore, I was fine-tuning skills — maybe not in the sand, but definitely in my work. The space allowed me to focus on growth without the usual distractions, and that made the work feel even more rewarding.
4. Connection: The Power Of Community At Work
People often underestimate the importance of connection at work. But whether it’s the locals I chatted with while grabbing coffee or the colleagues and clients I’m virtually connected to, community matters. Feeling supported, valued and part of something bigger than yourself is crucial to job satisfaction.
Work isn’t just about tasks and projects — it’s about relationships. From a friendly coworker to a mentor who pushes you to grow, connection brings meaning to the daily grind. Without it, even the best jobs can feel isolating.
Beach Lesson: Whether you’re working at a shore café or in a corporate office, relationships fuel fulfillment. Even while working remotely, I found joy in the small moments of connection with locals and online alike.
5. Flexibility: The Ability To Adapt
Flexibility is a massive perk and one that's in high demand. During the pandemic, we learned that work doesn’t have to happen in a rigid 9-to-5 schedule, and more people than ever are pursuing flexibility in how, when and where they work.
Not everyone has the luxury of flexibility. Many jobs require traditional structures, but the desire for adaptable work has increased dramatically in recent years. When you can adjust your work to fit your life, rather than the other way around, your overall satisfaction skyrockets.
Beach Lesson: Working at the Jersey Shore offered me flexibility, but the real win was how that flexibility enhanced both my productivity and my enjoyment of work. Being able to shift my schedule around the tides — literally and figuratively — made all the difference.
Final Takeaway: Building Your Own Dream Job
It’s not about whether you work in a beach town or a city skyscraper — the five elements of a dream job can apply anywhere. It’s about understanding what makes work fulfilling for you and then building a career that aligns with those elements.
So, where do you stand? Which of these five elements are present in your current role, and which ones are missing? It’s time to evaluate your career and see if it’s checking all the right boxes. And remember, a dream career is rarely stumbled upon — it’s crafted, one element at a time.
Ready?
Ready to start building your dream job? Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned pro, check out my free Job Search Success Audit to pinpoint exactly what’s holding you back, or if you're the former, dive into my book Launch: The New College Grad’s Guide to Getting Unstuck & Empowering Your Dream Career to start your journey today. I also welcome you to join the Dream Job conversation via my new LinkedIn newsletter, Dream Job Diaries.
Maria Katrien Angeleva, MA, MA
Certified Coach, Author & Trainer
Dubbed “Professor Dream Job,” by her students, Trie is a former COO and founder of Reimagine Monday. She specializes in helping individuals transform their careers and lives through mindful, strategic approaches. Trie developed and taught career success courses at Indiana University, building on her proven methodology, The Love Monday Method. Her latest release, Launch, designed to help new college grads get unstuck in their search and empower their new career, is now available for pre-order.
With two Master's degrees, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, six coaching certifications and a deep passion for guiding new graduates and professionals in their prime, Trie supports individuals in navigating their career paths with clarity and confidence, and is dedicated to helping YOU turn your dream job into a reality.
Connect with Trie at trie@reimaginemonday.com.