For many workers, we are what we do. We define ourselves by our jobs because we spend most of our waking hours performing those jobs.

Co-workers and clients become an extended family, and enjoying what you do makes it all worth while.

For Stan Stallings, owner of Sunset Heating and Air Conditioning, helping others is a job perk he truly appreciates.

"I've got a great full-time job. I'm in somebody's attic and this little lady hugs you for getting her air conditioning running. It's gratifying," Stallings said in an article in the Midland Reporter-Telegram, Midland, Texas.

According to a recent General Social Survey -- Job Satisfaction in the United States, workers in miscellaneous mechanical and repairing occupations made the study’s Top 12 list of occupations that bring general happiness.

The study, which was conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, notes that people looking for jobs that bring satisfaction and happiness should concentrate on professions that focus primarily on serving other people.

So how do you foster job satisfaction?

Being in the hvacr industry and serving others is one positive step toward finding gratification. Other ways include looking inward and finding the answers to measurable elements outlined by Sarah Hightower, CEO of career search specialists Chandler Hill Partners.

Self Knowledge — Understanding one’s personal combination of acquired skills and innate talents is critical. Satisfaction will only happen when an ability to excel is present and when one can feel proud of the day’s accomplishments.

Environment — Clearly if a person is to be satisfied he or she must be in an environment that provides a foundation on which they can utilize those skills and talents in ways that give outlet to creative expression, or quiet participation – whatever the level of the individual, the environment must be conducive.

Growth and Challenge — None of us want to be in the same position when we finish our careers as when we started. Even those who are less aggressive in their pursuit of promotion and career advancement still want to know that there is space for them to move forward.

Recognition and Reward — Just like none of us want to be stuck in the same no-growth, no-advancement position for all of our lives – as workers, most want to be recognized and rewarded for their positive contributions.

Taking into consideration Hightower’s elements of job satisfaction, those in the hvacr industry certainly have all the pieces to complete the gratification puzzle. And hugs from clients tie it all together.