To clarify which values are critical to you in your career use the following letters (I, M, C) to identify the values that are irrelevant, important or critical/mandatory:
I - Irrelevant M - Important C - Critical/Mandatory
______
Safe and Secure- an environment free from danger and harassment
Pleasant setting- a pleasing environment and comfortable setting to work
Relaxed atmosphere- avoid pressures and the "rat race"
Calm environment- with little distractions of noise or interruptions
Urban setting- a work setting within a city, bustling activity
Suburban setting- a work setting within a suburb
Rural setting- a work setting within a rural area
Self-employment- being employed by and working for yourself
Large company
Small company
Own office
Shared workspace
Caring co-workers- working with people who get along and cooperate
Respectful supervision- having understanding supervisors who respect your wants and needs
Competition- engaging in activities that test your abilities against others with clear win-lose outcomes
Self-competition- engaging in activities that test your abilities against my own performance
Fast-paced work- working rapidly to meet time or performance deadlines
Variety/change- have work responsibilities with frequently changing tasks or locations
Travel- work where travel is an integral part of the routine
Inside work- working inside a building usually within an office setting
Outside work- working outdoors exposed to the elements
Both inside and outside work- striking a balance between both inside and outside work
Working alone- doing assignments by yourself involving minimal contact with co-workers
Teamwork- work as an integral part of a group toward common goals
Independence/Autonomy- to determine the nature of my work tasks and schedule with little or any direction from others
Adventure- to be involved in activities that involve risk-taking
Ethical/Moral standards- being free to act in accordance with a set of standards regarding what is right or fair
Expertise/Competence- striving to excel at the work that you do, being an expert in your field with or without recognition
Utilizing skills and abilities- utilizing the competencies you possess at the maximum
Manual dexterity- using your hands to produce, repair or create concrete, tangible things
Problem solving- figuring out how something should be done
Creating- improving processes or else developing ideas, materials, programs or structures
Precision work- performing work that meets exacting standards or attention to detail
Intellectual challenge- performing demanding tasks that challenge your intellect
Social contribution- seeking to improve the human condition
Influencing others- affecting others in ways designed to change attitudes or opinions or motivating them to take action
Supervising/Directing others- being in a position to oversee and/or take responsibility for the work of others
Aesthetic contribution- performing work that contributes to making the world a more beautiful place
Spiritual fulfillment- doing work that contributes to the religious or spiritual fulfillment of yourself or others
Friendships- develop close personal friendships with people at work
Moral fulfillment- feel my work is contributing significantly to a set of moral standards, which I feel are important
Self- realization/Enlightenment/Personal fulfillment- work that allows realizing the full potential and/or gives high personal satisfaction and reward
High earnings potential- being able to purchase essentials and luxuries
Benefits- health insurance, tuition reimbursement, child care, etc., as part of your compensation package
Equitable pay- being compensated at a rate that is commensurate with the amount and quality of work you do
Advancement- opportunities for growth either by advancing into positions of increasing authority and responsibility or promotions from work well done
Job availability and security- working in an occupation field where you have a good opportunity to obtain and maintain a job
Recognition/prestige- being perceived by others as doing important work or an expert in your field
Learning opportunities/growth- regular or daily opportunities to learn new things or expand new skills
Progressive- be in an environment that is progressive in its work, attitudes, service or products
Career advancement- clear advancement tracks or opportunities to make advancement
Technology- work in an environment that utilizes and advances with technology
Results- have a job where you can see the end product of your work
Job sharing- being able to share the duties and responsibilities of a job with another person or other people
Regular hours- working consistently regular business hours Monday through Friday of 8-5pm
Flex hours- working hours that are flexible where you are able to set your own schedule
Easy commute- living close to where you work
Work out of the home- a position that allows the majority if not all your work to be conducted at your own home
Acceptance- welcomed for what you can contribute regardless of gender, race, age, etc.
Leisure- balance between work and personal/family life
Location- live in a place that fits my lifestyle and gives the opportunity to do the activities that I enjoy the most (specifically:________________________)
Adapted from Your Career Planner by David Borchard, Cheryl Bonnard and Susan Musich