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?

List of Values:

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.