MANY WORKERS SUFFER FROM JOB DISSATISFACTION

In a Dilbert cartoon strip by Scott Adams, an employee is standing in front of the boss’ desk and says, “Our pay is too low, and there’s no clear leadership, and we want parking spaces.” Suddenly the trap door lets go with a “Flush!” And the boss says to himself, “All things considered, I think I enjoy them more when they’re disgruntled.

It depends on the survey of course, but in 2007 a significant number of American workers say they’re not happy with their jobs.

People want to feel that they are making a difference, especially when it comes to the jobs they do.

When workers are aware that their work makes a difference to others—even in small ways—their job satisfaction rises. So does their productivity.

MOAA at all levels offers an opportunity to serve the military community, to work at it with all one’s heart, to make a difference. Performing in a leadership role, writing a chapter newsletter, decorating a meeting table, giving another a ride to a meeting all happens to be worthwhile work, efforts that pay off in a big way.

When we talk about the military community we’re talking about MOAA National and all its activities, CAL-MOAA and its service to affiliated chapters, and the chapters and members, and yet the wider military and general communities. There are so many needs; there are so many opportunities to serve.

So why do some work in this arena?

It isn’t because of some external motivation like when the boss is watching; we’re dealing with organizations of volunteers.

It’s more because of some internal motivation; some people just like to serve the military community. It’s a matter of enjoyment and personal satisfaction.

And yet there’s the notion that the military community is bigger than any one individual; serving there can provide lasting benefits. It’s a chance to make a real difference.

When you serve the military community:

The Job Is Bigger
The range of service opportunities is extensive: leadership roles & followership roles, management roles and administrative roles. All of the functional areas are represented. And all across a wide spectrum of skills and capabilities. It’s just a matter of looking around, identifying needs, defining a niche, and doing the job. Remember, no boss is being served; the military community is being served.

The Pay Is Better
Not money. Not the usual fringe benefits. Mother Teresa served faithfully in the back alleys of Calcutta and with a smile on her face. Hers was an eternal motivation, bringing her immense joy, intrinsic satisfaction. It can be very rewarding to seek out needy military families and provide assistance in a difficult time. It can be very rewarding to provide personal affairs information and support to a chapter member in a time of physical and emotional need.

The Impact Is Broader
Leadership, in particular, is an awesome responsibility; you never know the nature and extent of your personal actions. As a member of MOAA it’s literally possible to transfer a value system to the younger generation and in so doing help others live bigger, richer, and more promising lives. What an opportunity to reach out, to make a significant difference!

Dr. Arthur Amman serves AIDS-inflicted people all across Africa and gains great satisfaction from serving this particular community.

MOAA members everywhere have an opportunity to serve a very large and extended military community and gain much personal satisfaction doing it.

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