28 Jun Helping key to happiness
From Auckland (and writer Justine Glucina) comes this interesting story of happiness at work.
After 21 years in the police force, senior sergeant Graeme Porter has seen it all.
The officer-in-charge at Glen Innes says despite some bad people in the area, there are a lot of good people who make the job all worth it.
And he has no intention of hanging up the blue jersey any time soon.
“I enjoy helping people,” he says.
“That’s why I started this job and wanted to become a policeman, and 21 years later it’s still the same philosophy.”
Mr Porter was recognised for more than two decades of service at the Auckland City District medal and awards ceremony in the Town Hall, and says he is proud to have served for so long.
Despite being the first in his family to join the police force, he is not the first to take a job that is all about helping people.
His father coaches surf lifesaving in Red Beach, Whangaparaoa, and Mr Porter has followed the same path of coaching and getting involved in various committees.
He says it was only natural to fulfil a job that helps people.
His is a philosophy based on happiness and he says this makes for a committed, hardworking team.
“If people are happy, they work hard,” he says.
Although he has only been in Glen Innes since September, he is trying his best to get to know the area and its community.
“I can’t help people if I don’t know who the people are,” he says.
“I’m used to the demographic. It’s got a real mixture and cross-section of different social spectrums.
“There’s a lot of interesting people from all walks of life, and you learn to adapt to different types of situations.
“I love the variety in my job,” he says.
And with a solid team, he says he looks forward to working toward a reduction in the volume of crime and a focus on youth.
“I’ve survived 21 years and I still love my job.”
How can you find happiness (and meaning) in your work?