It might be the CEO who gets the spotlight, but it’s the office worker who keeps the gears of the company churning. We spoke with nine of those employees – people who all have one thing in common: they all love their jobs. They’re dedicated and take pride in what they do. What keeps them going? Here’s what they had to say about why they love their jobs.
Christine Shumski
Employer: FedEx
Job: Courier
“The ‘Purple Promise’ comes easy for me – I try to make every customer experience outstanding. I’m on the front line of package delivery. I’m on a first name basis with most of my customers, which I really like.
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“The physical aspect of my job also keeps me going. I deliver in the Beacon Hill area of Boston, and I know firsthand why this area includes the word ‘hill.’ Parking is a challenge so I do a lot of the route on foot and take a lot of stairs.
“I’ve been here for 25 years, and gone through a lot of changes in my personal life. This company has always been there for me.”
Jean Fleuraguste
Employer: Roche Bros.
Job: Meat wrapper
“I came here from Haiti and didn’t speak a word of English. I started as a bagger and worked my way up to cashier, and then to the meat department. I wrap the meat, make sure the price is right and put them in the case. I didn’t know that much about meat when I started, but now I know every type of meat. If a customer walks in and requests certain meat, I know how to cut it.
“I started here in 1988. I stay because we work like a family, whether you’re at the top or bottom. I don’t think I would get better treatment anywhere else I would go.”
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Mark-Anthony Bray
Employer: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Job: Computational biologist
“My research focuses on analyzing and mining data from cell images that have been subjected to various chemical compounds or genetic variables. I love my work because it enables basic scientific research and aids in finding novel therapeutics. I have the opportunity to help very serious diseases, yet unlike a pharmaceutical company, we are a non-profit, so it’s not about the bottom line. I have freedom and creativity without being totally market-driven.
“On a personal level, I have really enjoyed flexibility in work hours since I just started a family. My daughter is almost a year old, and partly because of the nature of what I do – mostly computer work – I have the option to being able to work from home. Because of this, I have a healthy work-life balance.”
Diana Traylor
Employer: Lexington Montessori
Job: Teacher
“I teach grades 1-3, which is the age of imagination. I want to grab that imaginative spirit and help a child reflect on his authentic self and discover ‘aha’ moments.
“Children need adults as role models to show them how to be OK with creativity. I play the oboe, write and draw, and do all these things in my classes so they can see that adults have the same fun that they do.
“If I hit traffic on 128 or had a bad day at home, everything turns around with the first greeting I get from a child. I am here to help kids become lifelong learners. But I myself am also a lifelong learner because these kids teach me so much.”
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Jeby Abraham
Employer: Newton Wellesley Hospital
Job: Clinical educator
“The hospital has an extensive education department, and my job is to facilitate the training of others, whether it’s giving new updates in healthcare technology or renewing CPR licenses. I participate in the development of future nurses and other members of the healthcare team.
“I’ve always loved to teach. I emphasize not just skills and techniques but how a task is approached – if you act with compassion and caring, patients will never forget it. I tell my students that they may never see a patient again, but if you give, you will also receive.”
David Lichter
Employer: Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Co.
Job: Research investigator
“In the new age of genomics research, I am passionate about advancing Millennium’s bold vision as we aspire to cure cancer. Besides designing assay experiments, I am involved with both the science and business operations of clinical trials. I take knowledge from some of our direct discovery groups and ask, ‘How do we apply this to a patient population?’
“Having the mission of curing cancer is a very special thing. Everyone in the world is affected by cancer to some degree, so I always have families and patients in my heart and thoughts.”
Kara O’Brien
Employer: Globoforce
Job: Graphic designer
“I’ve been working on a lot of branding material, focusing on creating a strong global image. This includes e-book design along with brochures and collateral as well as advertising and trade show graphics.
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“Getting to work on what you love day in and day out is really an inspiration in itself. I thrive in an environment where everyone enjoys what they’re doing and is always willing to lend a hand.
“I’m excited about being part of such a fast-growing company. The images we use are modern, clean and simple, and this is the same innovative approach reflected in the company’s culture. The people here are inspiring and collaborative just like our mission, which is to recognize and acknowledge key talent.”
Kris Comeaux
Employer: Analysis Group
Job: Economic consultant
“There are about 600 reasons that I love my job, because there are 600 people at the Analysis Group. I work in a very congenial environment, but I’m also growing as a professional as I tap into the knowledge of academics and leaders who are on the leading edge of their discipline.
I get insights from them that you can’t get from a book, conference or reading a journal.”
Jorge Romero
Employer: Boston Harbor Hotel
Job: Maintenance engineer
“I am originally from Guatemala City. I saw this opportunity when the hotel opened 25 years ago and have stayed here ever since. In Guatemala, I was a mapmaker, working with my hands, and so I really like this job, where I also am very hands-on.
“I help keep guest rooms in good shape, whether it’s the walls, plumbing, lights, or whatever the equipment. Right now my main duty is taking care of the furniture. If anything is chipped or damaged, I refurbish, paint, or fix it as needed. Pleasing the guests is our number one concern. I want to make sure we have no complaints.”
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