In his book Drive, Daniel Pink asserts that three elements are essential for you to be happy at work: a purpose you feel strongly about, proficiency with skills you enjoy using, and a degree of autonomy that allows you to function in a way that works for you. There are other factors that can influence workplace happiness, such as colleagues who encourage you, opportunities to share your knowledge, and recognition for a job well done. But for Pink, the absence of those three basic elements limits your ability to be contented over the long term.

Leaders can play a role in nurturing workplace happiness. They can supply purpose: think of Steve Jobs inspiring people to see things differently and change the world. But if the leader’s vision doesn’t align with your values, you’ll have to find purpose some other way. And most all leaders want everyone to apply their skills in work they enjoy. After all, it’s hard to be happy doing work you aren’t good at and don’t like doing. But changing business conditions may sometimes require a change in assignments.

Similarly, leaders may want to give people the flexibility to arrange their work hours and workspace that suits them best and not be micromanaged in an environment that is so structured that it feels like a straitjacket. But that flexibility may come into conflict with the demands of customers, clients, and partners.

When it comes down to it, there is little a leader can do to make people happy if they are not clear on what gives them purpose, what work they enjoy and are good at, and what environment allows them to do their best work.

Simply put, if you don’t know what you need, it is hard to get it. And you can’t expect your manager to figure it out for you.

Over my career I tried many vocations, searching for one that would provide meaning and contentment. It required taking risks, asking for what I wanted, getting additional education, and doing a lot of soul searching. The key is to not give up, even when it feels like there is nothing that matches what you want.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a career fairy with a magic wand who can make it happen for you. However, there are tools that can assist your search, such as assessments that help define strengths, career coaches and workshops, internships, and part-time and volunteer work.

Networking provides opportunities to ask others about their work – what do they like, dislike, and what it took for them to get their job. The journey may take years, but sometimes the joy is in the journey as much as the destination. Embrace the learning you get along the way.