Think about how you prefer to work
If you want to discover which equestrian job suits you best, it is important to reflect on your previous experiences. Think back to the equestrian (related) (part-time) jobs you’ve had. Which ones did you like and which ones you didn’t?
Maybe you enjoyed the peace and quiet and the contact with the animals while taking care of horses, or you found the dynamics and challenge of training young horses interesting. Maybe your passion was more about teaching beginners and seeing their progress, or about organizing equestrian events and working in a team to make sure everything runs smoothly.
It’s important to consider location, the type of contact you have with coworkers, your relationship with a manager, and the company culture.
For example, if you like to work independently, you may want to look for positions that involve a lot of responsibility and little direct supervision. On the other hand, if you thrive in a team environment, you can look into jobs that focus on collaboration and interaction with others.
In terms of location, think about whether you prefer to work in an office or outside in nature. Some people thrive better in an office environment, while others like to be outdoors and prefer to work around horses.
Flexibility in working hours can also be an important factor. Some people prefer fixed working hours, while others prefer to be flexible and be able to customize their work schedule to suit their personal needs.
Finally, it is important to look at the company culture. Think about whether you prefer to work in an informal environment where there is open communication between colleagues and supervisors, or whether you prefer a more formal work environment.
By taking all of these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and find an equestrian job that perfectly matches your personality, needs, and preferences.
If you know the environment you enjoy working in, you can always keep that in mind during job interviews or job offers. By striving for jobs that match your personality and way of working, you increase the chances of job satisfaction and success in your career. So keep knowing yourself and keep your preferences in mind during your job search!
When it comes to a job, pay attention to satisfaction and autonomy
Work today is much more than just a way to make a living. For example, research shows that, in addition to salary, workers value meaning, autonomy and substantive challenge in a job. Meaning does not have to be about ‘saving (horse) lives’, but can also be about coaching or advising people, solving a concrete problem, such as correcting a hoof position, or contributing to the growth of a company or an equestrian event.
According to the self-determination theory, people have a natural need for autonomy. We want to make our own choices. Work independently. Being in the driver’s seat. In the field of work, this is reflected in being allowed to take initiative, decide for yourself how you carry out the work or, for example, organize your own working hours.
Substantive challenge is also different for everyone, but a booster for job satisfaction that should not be underestimated. We are often happy with work where you don’t work on autopilot but are allowed to think creatively or solve problems. Tip: check vacancies to see if you see these three job satisfaction boosters or ask about them during your job interview.
If you get satisfaction from a job, it increases your job satisfaction. And that makes you feel better in the right place! For example, does it make you feel good to help people, for example in an equestrian shop? Or do you get a kick out of seeing riders grow through your guidance? Take it with you in your job hunt.
And so there are more characteristics of a job that are predictors of job satisfaction. Scientific research shows the same things that increase job satisfaction:
- Working atmosphere and bond with colleagues
- Clear tasks with a concrete result
- Career opportunities and opportunities to develop
- Fringe benefits
- Work location and (flexible) working hours
Talk to people
There is no one who knows better what it’s like to have a certain job than the one who does it every day. They can give you a wealth of information and share surprising insights with you. This way, a groom can tell you exactly how an average work and/or competition day is put together. And a truck service technician knows exactly which technical actions you need to perform.
Watch your mindset: Look for growth, not perfection
The nice thing about this advice? You’re in control! Do you dream of the ultimate dream job, where your passion is expressed 100%? Well, according to science, you’d better let go of that thought. People who believe in a single passion appear to be less inclined to have new experiences and discover new interests. This is true even in the field of work. In fact, research has shown that people with a fixed mindset are less motivated to learn new things than those who have a growth mindset. So, don’t let that passion be your only guide!