1. You don't dread going into work. When you wake up actually happy to start your day, that is a good indication that you have a pretty good workplace. If you find yourself getting excited about completing projects or filing away paperwork that's been sitting on your desk for too long, it may be safe to say that you like your job. That in itself should make you smile; not many people enjoy going into work. In fact, they dread it.
2. You're treated fairly. And by fairly, I mean that you are respected- not only for your work but for who you are as a person. Your personality, religion, beliefs, and lifestyle aren't scrutinized and your coworkers don't look down on you. You are seen as a part of the team. You and your coworkers may not make the same amount of money, but that is based on your position and experience- not on who you are. Life may not be fair, but being treated fairly at work should be. And if you are, consider yourself blessed.
3. Your boss and coworkers are like family. You are friends outside of work. You don't just work together, you live life together! Attending graduations, birthday parties, and local events are normal for you and your coworkers. And when you have a problem you work it out. If your work environment is a lot like being at home with family, then you've definitely got a good thing going for yourself.
4. You are praised for your efforts and good work. We all have friends who complain about their hard work going unnoticed at their job. But this is not the case for you. You are praised for your good work and that only motivates you to do even better. Working in an environment where you are praised into growth instead of pressured into stress will either make you or break you. In a world where many in upper management only delegate, it is rare to find bosses who will get alongside you and clean toilets too, figuratively of course!
5. You don't have to sacrifice your life, for your job. This one is my favorite. So many people miss out on life because their job dominates their schedule. Their life literally revolves around the hours they work each week. They miss all kinds of special events and precious moments with their children and loved ones. So count it all joy if you work for a company that understands that you have a life, that life happens, and that you need to be there to enjoy it. Maybe you don't get 5 weeks of vacation a year, but rather your boss lets you make a phone call or two to schedule your kids' dentist appointments (after all, the dentist is only open during your work hours). A boss that lets you leave a little early to get your kids off the bus or gives you the day off to attend a funeral or wedding. Don't take these "little" things for granted because there are millions of people in the world working for companies that could give a rat's behind about your life. When your job is as equally concerned about your life as they are their business, that is a gift.....a very rare and beautiful gift.