5 Criteria to Determine a Truly "Good Job"
A truly good job is more than just a paycheck. It’s a blend of financial stability, control over your time, a respectful environment, and growth opportunities that collectively improve your quality of life.
According to a recent global survey by US-based organization Gallup, most modern jobs fail to meet life's demands. Out of 18,400 employees surveyed in 2025, only two out of every five felt their job was respectable, secure, and offered opportunities for advancement.
Here are the five essential criteria that define a high-quality job, helping you assess whether your work truly provides long-term benefit and control:
1. Salary and Financial Security
A quality job ensures your salary is sufficient to comfortably meet the cost of living, providing mental safety and boosting motivation.
In Bangladesh, many workers struggle to know if their salary is adequate for an average middle-class family's monthly expenses. Junior officer Ariful Islam shares a common problem: "The salary I receive monthly is not enough to cover the city rent and expenses. So, I have to take another part-time job.” Furthermore, in the private sector, many employees don't receive regular increments or, in some cases, even get paid on time.
2. Control Over Time and Working Hours
Mental stress decreases and productivity increases when employees have some control over their work schedule and hours.
Many organizations in Bangladesh still rely on rigid clock-in and clock-out systems. Strict control over time and working hours creates extra pressure on employees, which can lead to significant mental and physical health issues. A quality job offers flexibility, acknowledging that work-life balance is crucial.
3. Participation and Influence in the Workplace
A job's quality improves when employees can participate in decisions regarding their work, salary, security, and the adoption of new technologies or processes. This sense of ownership fosters greater responsibility and benefits the organization.
In Bangladesh, this participation is often limited. Bank officer Rakibul Haque notes, “We often want to give opinions about new software or processes, but these are not accepted. As a result, many ideas are discarded.”
4. Respect and Work Environment
A suitable work environment and mutual respect are vital for employee mental health and performance. While educated employees generally feel respected, discrimination based on gender, age, education, or professional status can occur.
For example, female employees' opinions are sometimes given less weight than those of their male colleagues. A disrespectful environment severely lowers employee motivation, directly affecting job quality.
5. Training and Opportunities for Growth
Opportunities for self-improvement and career advancement are key criteria for a quality job. Large corporate and government organizations in Bangladesh typically provide training and promotion paths, but smaller businesses often offer limited options.
Training allows employees to acquire new skills, keeping them proficient and mentally engaged with the organization over the long term.
The Reality in Bangladesh
Based on these criteria, it is estimated that only 25 to 30 per cent of total jobs in Bangladesh can be considered "quality jobs."
Gender and Location: Men are somewhat more likely than women to hold quality jobs. Better opportunities are concentrated in city areas, especially Dhaka, with multinational companies and office settings leading the way, while rural workers often operate with limited benefits.
Sector Differences: Employees in banking, IT, insurance, and large corporate organizations generally enjoy better training, development, and security. In contrast, the job quality in retail, hotels, restaurants, or construction is comparatively lower.
Ultimately, improving job quality goes beyond finance; it is a holistic combination of mental peace, skill development, and active participation. Young people in Bangladesh should consider these aspects when choosing a career for a more productive and satisfying professional life.
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