7 Signs You're A Surprisingly Good Employee

Sometimes it can be hard to gauge how you’re really doing at your job. On a bad day, it can feel like you’re doing horribly. On a good day, you feel like the best employee ever. The reality is probably somewhere in between, but how do you know? Here are 7 signs that you may well be on your way to being that best employee ever, whether you’re new in the role or have been there for a while.

1. You look forward to going to work.

Sunday night is usually gut-check time: when you think about getting back to your Monday routine and heading into work, how do you feel? If you feel any enthusiasm, or pleasant optimism about the week ahead, chances are you’re doing something that fulfills you, and that you do well. If you like your job, you’re probably also doing well and feeling comfortable.

2. You feel challenged, but not overwhelmed.

If you embrace new projects with gusto rather than dread, and look forward to adding new responsibilities and competencies to your repertoire, you’re doing pretty well.

3. Time is flying.

This is not to say that you’re losing track of time, or lacking time management. When things aren’t going well, time can feel like it’s slowing…down…to…a…trickle. If your day feels like it’s moving briskly, and isn’t a slog through an endless to-do list, things are in a good place.

4. You’re seeking out new tasks and responsibilities.

If you’re talking to your boss about taking on new projects that go above and beyond your current job description, that’s a sign that you’re succeeding in your role, and ready to start moving up.

5. People come to you for advice.

If you’re a go-to guru for information related to your job, it means that people trust what you’re giving out. Sure, a Godfather-like line around your desk, of colleagues asking for favors, is not ideal for your own productivity, but if your colleagues are using you as a sounding board, that’s a good sign of your trustworthiness and competence as a team member.

6. You move on after mistakes.

No matter how good you are at your job, mistakes and missteps happen. If you can shake those off, take some lessons, and move on with your work life, chances are you’re doing fine overall.

7. You’re surrounded by calm.

If your desk is an oasis of neat, organized zen, it suggests that you’re feeling good about your workload—and your workday. If the stacks of papers, sad desk lunch remnants, and random stuff are almost as tall as you are, that can show that you’re overwhelmed or too stressed. If you’re not doing so hot at work, there are also warnings signs for that as well. But if you like your job, and are engaging with it in positive ways, you’re going to be A-OK!