Learn how to get job satisfaction

Local Orange Grove resident, Cebi Ngqinambi, launched her book which advises readers on how to make the most of their career.

Ngqinambi said that she often wondered about people who hated their jobs to such an extent that they made life unbearable for all involved, including customers.

“The thing is, companies don’t go out and beg people to come work for them. Individuals apply for jobs and do what is necessary to get employed. But when they finally have the job, they mess it up. It makes you wonder why they bothered in the first place,” said Ngqinambi.

The book was inspired by her own life experiences. Growing up in Soweto, the author did not have access to career guidance and was not aware of the various occupational choices available to her. Ngqinambi passed matric, applied to Wits University and chose three courses she knew nothing about. She was accepted to study speech and hearing therapy and, although adjusting to her new surroundings was not easy, she managed to finish the degree in record time.

She went on to find a job at Leratong Hospital on the West Rand but hated every minute of it with most of her time there spent complaining. “At lunchtime, a colleague and I would complain about any and every negative thing we could think of. We complained about the fat people, our supervisor … the list was endless,” said Ngqinambi.

She eventually resigned but it wasn’t until much later, after she had spent time developing herself, that she realised she was the problem, not the job, boss or her colleagues. This is what inspired the book.

“Whether you are a cleaner or cashier, it is important that you do your job to the best of your ability,” added Ngqinambi.

The secret, she said, was knowing why your job was important. “A receptionist, for instance, is the first interface people have with the company. If the receptionist performs well, people come away with a good impression of the company. If he or she understands this, it is easy for them to present the company in the best light.”

Happiness coach, Dr Tembisa Makaba, also spoke at the launch and told the audience that happiness was a choice and that each person was responsible for their happiness – not their spouses, children or those expensive shoes.

Details: www.amazon.com or via e-mail cebi@mweb.co.za

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