Many people, however, are less clear about what they want to do with their lives and change jobs, careers and industries often throughout their working lives. This is more common now than ever, and can be due to people actively looking for better prospects, or involuntary reasons, such as redundancies or downsizing. There are some exceptions, but the days of jobs for life is largely a thing of the past.

Work is an important part of life and being able to derive satisfaction from our work is extremely important, whatever we do. Many people, who are doing what they always wanted to do, often do not even consider that they are working as such.

This is certainly not the case for many people, who dread going to work.

For anyone who wants to make more of themselves and their lives, it is essential to develop a healthy attitude towards work, and a strong work ethic. If you are in a job or a situation that you dislike, you must be prepared to make a decision. You must decide to either make the most of the job and do the best work you can, or take action to get out and find a job you'll enjoy more. We all spend a large part of our lives working, so these are the only real choices for anyone who considers self-respect and job satisfaction to be important. Or, best of all, can you make a living doing what you enjoy, or at least have an interest in?

If there are any prospects of promotion in any position, a person who works hard and is eager and willing, will almost certainly be noticed by the people who can help. There are plenty of people who pride themselves on doing as little as possible, beating the system or getting one over on their bosses. These people are also likely to spend a lot of time complaining about their lot, but probably quite like things as they are, and enjoy the petty office politics that it's so easy to get involved with in many organisations. They almost certainly lack the courage or ambition to actually make any changes or real progress, and probably never will.

To progress within any company, you often have to be prepared to ignore the negative attitudes of some peers and colleagues. This shouldn't be too difficult if you are serious about personal and career development, and building a better life for yourself. It's a safe bet that within any organisation almost everyone of influence knows who the good workers are, and which staff members are likely to be promoted, or survive any staff cutbacks.

There are times when we all feel unhappy with our position, and it can be easy to think that someone else has been given opportunities that should have come to us. However, there are few, if any people who have managed to complain their way to higher positions. People who become successful are usually those who are prepared to make the best of whatever job they are doing, try to find better ways to do their job, and are prepared to put in more effort than they are paid for.

These people are also much more likely to enjoy job satisfaction than people who only do the minimum required to get by.

Try putting yourself in the position of your employer and honestly answer this question: If you owned the company, are you the type of employee that you would want working for you?

On the other hand, there are people who are ambitious and feel they have made their best efforts, but are being ignored by their bosses. In these cases moving on is the only option, and there is no doubt that any person with a strong work ethic and ambition will quickly find a position where they will be appreciated.

Also essential to your career progress and employability in a today's competitive workplace, is keeping up to date with the latest trends and developments in your field, and learning new skills. Time and money spent on education and personal development will be your best investment ever. This can make the differences to you as a person that determines whether you get that ideal job or promotion, or start the business you always dreamt of.

Whether you desire to work your way up the corporate ladder, or eventually start your own business, having a strong work ethic is one of the most vital of all character traits. If you are already self-employed, you'll be well aware that you certainly won't get far on your own without it.

I'm not suggesting that anyone should become a workaholic and spend all their time working, and neglect their family, friends and leisure activities. There is no doubt balance is required.

However, if you come to be known as a person that can be relied upon to get a job done, who is efficient and productive, has initiative and is prepared to accept challenges, and has a positive attitude to your work and your co-workers, you will be considered a great asset by any well run organisation. And you'll enjoy your work much more. You will also quickly become the type of person who can successfully manage and motivate other workers, or run your own successful business.

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison