CAREER EXPLORATION: WORK VALUES

What are Values? The definition of a value is- a principle or quality that is desirable. They are beliefs that guide our behavior and can be put in order according to importance. Values can be categorized differently. Personal Values (trust, honesty) Cultural Values (religion, traditions) Social Values (friendship, family) Work Values…

Work Values These are the things that one considers to be valuable in a work setting. Autonomy- Working by yourself with little supervision, using your own ideas, and making your own decisions Safety- Working in a place that is safe and fair Altruism- Working in a place where the co-workers are friendly to each other and having a job that allowed you to help other people

Work Values Continued Status- A job that where there is opportunity for advancement, recognition for accomplishments, and recognition from the community Comfort- A job that you were able to do what you want depending on your preferences (alone or with people), provided you with something different to do everyday, paid adequately, and provided steady employment Achievement- A job that provided you with a sense of accomplishment and made use of my abilities and talents

Rank these values from 1 to 6 (with 1 being the most important value to you in a work place) Autonomy- Working by yourself with little supervision, using your own ideas, and making your own decisions Safety- Working in a place that is safe and fair Altruism- Working in a place where the co-workers are friendly to each other and having a job that allowed you to help other people Status- A job that where there is opportunity for advancement, recognition for accomplishments, and recognition from the community Comfort- A job that you were able to do what you want depending on your preferences (alone or with people), provided you with something different to do everyday, paid adequately, and provided steady employment Achievement- A job that provided you with a sense of accomplishment and made use of my abilities and talents

How does this apply to exploring careers? By considering the work values that are important to us, we can choose a career pathway that will fulfill our needs and desires. For instance, if you consider altruism to be the most important work value, then you might consider a job such as a teacher, social worker, or doctor.

Wrap up There are more work values to consider other than the ones that we have discussed today. Just remember the things that are important to you as you explore different careers so that you can narrow down the pathway that you pursue.