Assess Your Values

A major influence on your future job satisfaction is finding a work environment that is congruent with your values system. While your major values remain somewhat stable throughout your lifetime, others will continue to grow and evolve and be influenced by your continuous life experiences.

It might be difficult to find a career that satisfies each and every one of your values; nevertheless, you can increase the likelihood of job satisfaction by ensuring that the major values expressed in your workplace are harmonious with your own primary valued beliefs. You can easily meet your other values through hobbies, clubs, and other personal experiences.

Below is a suggested short list of values to consider. Remember that this list is just a tool to help you start thinking about what is important. Rate these values on a scale from 1-5. Add values that are meaningful to you. As you go through the list, jot down any careers that come to mind and seem appealing. Later, research them to get more information on the type of environment in which that career is typically performed. Does that environment seem to exhibit similar values to your own?

• Financial reward
• Family and friends
• Location (indoors/outdoors, city/rural, international)
• Friendships at work
• Contribution to society
• Helping others
• Recognition, status, respect
• Intellectual stimulation
• Decision making, leadership
• Security
• Risk taking, challenge
• Work independently
• Work as a member of a team
• Room for creative expression
• Variety of tasks
• Flexible work environment

Here are some Resources that can help you get to know yourself better.