MY TOP TEN: Perks the Perfect Job Will Have

1.  Be Part Time

I want a job that doesn't take up all my free time and exhaust me.  I want to have time and energy to do things I like doing.  Things like writing blog posts, sewing cut-off shorts, decorating my planner and painting.

2.  Pay Much Money

You're probably wondering why I didn't list this first!  Honestly, the reason I put this in second place is:  I care more about having free time than I do about having a ton of money.  I do like having money but a little less is okay if I have time to do the things I enjoy.

3.  Keep Me Active

I think the ideal job would involve exercise.  I'm already doing something I don't love doing, so why not throw in something else I don't love doing?  I shamelessly admit that I hate exercising.  It's boring, especially when it involves treadmills and timers.  I'll admit, I like exercising a bit more if I can climb a mountain or bike.  Basically, I like exercising if it involves going somewhere or doing something.  My current exercise:  Walking 30 minutes back and forth to my car from school.  I got a real cheap parking pass, and although I have to walk further, I don't mind because I have a point A and a point B.  Goals and destinations work well to motivate me, and I enjoy people watching and getting fresh air.

So a perfect job would get work and exercise out of the way at the same time.

4.  Challenge Me

Some people might enjoy collating papers or stuffing envelopes. Not me, no way.  I want a job that includes opportunity for growth and development.  I want to learn new things and develop new skills.  I want to become an expert in my field of choice because that would make me feel very good about myself.

5.  Entertain

This one isn't a must have, but a definite preference.  I'd like a job that isn't boring.  I'd like to see something new every now and then; something different that I haven't seen before.  Types of jobs that offer such value include police officer and ambulance driver.  I'm neither of these.  I have taken care of small children.  Taking care of small children doesn't satisfy all the items on my checklist but it definitely fulfills the entertainment quota.

6.  Interesting Co-Workers

I'd like to work with interesting people; hopefully nice people who are professional but not too uptight.  A person certainly can't get every single thing on their wishlist, unless they are extremely lucky, but no harm in wishing nonetheless.  No point in being lonely while working if there are good people there to make into friends.

7.  Good Discounts

This obviously doesn't apply to every job out there.  However, if I was in a pinch and had to work retail, I'd want a job that offers good employee discounts.  I'd apply to work at a place where I shop a lot.  Some place like Michaels.  Although I don't know if they offer good discounts or not.  Research would be necessary.

8.  Ethical Employers

This should be higher on the list, but here it is.  I would obviously want to work for employers who follow the letter of the law and take care of their employees.  Pay a fair wage, give breaks when breaks are due, and provide the proper employment papers.  I've known cases where employers have discouraged or harassed their employees for taking breaks and lunches.  It's illegal but people often are too afraid to say anything because they really need the job.

9.  Safe Environment

This kind of goes along with the ethics item.  I'd like my work environment to be a safe place, free of danger or harassment.

10.  Set Hours

It would be nice to know my schedule and have it be fairly consistent.  It would suck to get calls in the night or on weekends.  I will sacrifice this wish though in case of certain medical professions.  Sometimes it can't be helped.