Don't worry, be happy on the job

Today's job market favors employees. The attitude of most workers is that they should have a job that makes them happy. So it's no surprise that at any given time 70 percent of the workforce is job hunting. Everyone is looking for the right position. But what exactly does that mean?

Here is something it's probably not: Prestigious. People who chase fame and prestige are generally not as happy as other people. If you're after fame, you are setting goals that are dependent on other peoples' approval. Conversely, goals about self-acceptance and friendship make you happy because you have more control over them.

You might think you're different - that you have a legitimate shot at fame. Ninety percent of young workers think they are in the top 10 percent of all workers, and 40 percent think they will become famous. The reality is 1 or 2 percent ever achieve a modicum of fame.

So the first rule of thumb when choosing a job to make you happy is to pick one that is based on the following list of attributes:

1. A short, predictable commute

The problem with a long commute is that it is long in a different way each day. Sometimes it's the rain, sometimes there's an accident. Sometimes traffic is backed up for no apparent reason. Humans can acclimate themselves to a lot of traumatic stuff - even being a paraplegic, according to Daniel Gilbert, author of "Stumbling on Happiness." But you cannot acclimate yourself to something that is bad in a different way every day.

2. A thermostat you can control

Maybe you should check the thermostat when you interview. Walk over to it and change it, just to show everyone that you can. And see what they do. What you're hoping for is that no one notices. Because you will be happier in a job if you can control the temperature. Or if it's automated and predictable. Being randomly cold and then warm in an office will slowly drive you nuts at work.

3. Workflow you can manage

This is not about doing work. This is about managing your personal life, which you cannot do if you have no control over your workflow. You need to be able to predict when things will be difficult and when it's safe to focus more on your personal life. This is why management consultants are generally happy - they oversee their own schedule. But those who hold client-heavy jobs, such as lawyers or financial analysts, have to jump at a clients' whim.

4. Clear goals that are challenging

Goals that are not challenging result in boredom, not happiness. But challenging work without a clear goal is a bad job waiting to happen because people want to know how they're doing. But you can't get feedback from a boss who does not set clear goals to manage your progress.

It is worth noting that the primary cause of workplace burnout is not the amount of time spent working, but whether the work you did can make a difference. For example, nurses on the pediatric burn unit have high turnover because it is exhausting to be taking care of children without being able to stop their suffering. Conversely, entrepreneurs are typically happy because they have so much control over workflow and goals.

5. Respect

If you have two good friends at work, you are almost guaranteed to like your job, according to Tom Rath, the author of "Vital Friends." But you don't need friends for the job to be satisfying, you just need respect. Respect is appreciating the people around you, and you knowing that they appreciate you.

Erin Pullen works at Whittard of Chelsea, a shop that sells high-end tea and coffee.

It isn't at all what Pullen had in mind when she was in school, training for her dream job. She studied performing arts, and expected to be a soprano. Then she realized her dream job was to advocate for performing artists rather than to be one. But she also needed to pay her bills, so she took the job at Whittard.

Now Pullen has discovered she really likes the job, and one of the big reasons she cites is that the people she works with show her respect.

Penelope Trunk is the author of Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success. Read her blog at blog.penelopetrunk.com.