What Does Job Satisfaction Look Like in Tech Careers?

There are many reasons that job satisfaction runs high in technology jobs. These positions allow for flexible work schedules, a good work/life balance, and a high-paying salary. 

Curious to know what job satisfaction looks like in the technology industry? Here’s a glimpse of what it’s like to have a satisfying career as a Java developer or DevOps engineer.

Work Environment in the Technology Industry

When you walk into a tech start-up or major technology company, one of the first things that will stand out is the work environment. 

Forget about cubicles or dividers. Many technology companies implement a more relaxed office environment. Offices are often arranged in an open layout and include group areas that promote collaboration. 

There are often perks to working in these offices that can make every day a bit more fun. For instance, employees may get free food, casual dress code policies, or occasional company retreats. 

In January, technology-focused companies like McKinsey & Company, Google and, Microsoft were ranked in the top 10 best companies to work for in 2021, according to Glassdoor. 

This is particularly notable due to the impact of COVID-19 in the last year. As Christian Sutherland-Wong, Glassdoor chief executive officer explains in the report,

“COVID-19 is in the driver’s seat and every employer has been impacted. This year’s winning employers have proven, according to employees, that even during extraordinary times, they’ll rise to the challenge to support their people.”

Technology companies like to invest in their staff by developing a company culture that values its employees and makes sure that they are happy and comfortable at their workplace. 

Work/Life Balance

It can be expected that technology careers may sometimes demand long hours to work on projects, but there is typically a sense of balance offered through flexibility. 

A survey from Experts Exchange found that 71 percent of tech workers said that their company offered a solid work/life balance. 

Depending on their position and current projects, some technology companies allow their employees to work from home. Others will provide additional perks outside of work like memberships so that people can have fun and relax during their free time. 

Several tech companies have also implemented more flexible maternity and paternity leave policies. For example, Glassdoor reports that Google offers paid maternity leave that can be anywhere from 18 to 22 weeks long. Furthermore, fathers or parents who are adopting can also have up to 7 weeks of paid time off. 

This can be huge for people who want to start families. In the U.S. there is no federal law that allows for paid maternity leave. According to the Family and Medical Leave Act, companies are only required to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth of a child. 

Salary and Job Security

Digital services are a part of everyday life. It’s impossible not to avoid tasks like opening a website on your computer or using a program on your phone. 

Demand for employees in the technology field is fairly high. According to a December 2020 report from Microsoft, the total number of technology-focused jobs in the world is expected to grow to 190 million by 2025. 

There need to be people who have the skills to create and maintain this technology so it can work effortlessly for millions. Hence, people who work in the technology industry have fairly stable job security.

Careers in technology also have high salaries that can provide financial security. For example, computer and information research scientists can earn a median pay of more than $144,000 per year. Furthermore, computer programmers earn approximately $100,000 in median annual pay. 

Creative Reign

Many technology careers have high job satisfaction ratings because technology companies are built on the idea of innovation. People who work in technology are pushing the needle forward in the industry and get to work alongside other peers who are just as creative and talented. 

If someone has an idea for a new app, they may have the opportunity to suggest it, and perhaps go as far as making their idea a reality. While this may involve more responsibility on employees, it also promotes creative reign, which allows workers to feel like they have value in the company. 

Furthermore, since technology jobs often involve tons of collaboration, there are many opportunities to learn and pick up new skills from one another. 

Company goals aren’t just focused on releasing new technology. Inclusive and positive work environments consider the well-being of their employees and make sure they feel heard. The technology industry offers a lot of perks to ensure that its workers feel satisfied and appreciated, making technology jobs some of the most satisfying careers to have.

---

Sophia Acevedo is a journalist based in Southern California. She is a 2020 graduate from California State University, Fullerton, and a proud Daily Titan alum.