Working Conditions
Sometimes what is as important in our job is not what we are doing, but where we are doing it and what environment we are doing it in. We cannot always get everything we want in a job, but it is helpful to determine our priorities.
Directions:
Print the sheet, complete the exercise and then record your reflections in a career exploration/planning notebook. Consider each factor. Mark each item with a 1-3.
| 1 = something you absolutely must have in your job |
| 2 = something you would like in your job, but might compromise on |
| 3 = something that is not important to you |
| __ | Advancement | __ | Large corporation | __ | Rural area |
| __ | Cafeteria | __ | New challenges | __ | Short commute |
| __ | City/urban Area | __ | Nice offices | __ | Sick leave |
| __ | Clear responsibilities | __ | Non profit | __ | Small business |
| __ | Competitive | __ | On job training | __ | Structured tasks |
| __ | Creative environment | __ | Outdoors | __ | Variety |
| __ | Day care facilities | __ | Overtime | __ | Windows |
| __ | Deadlines | __ | Paid vacation | __ | With people |
| __ | Fast pace | __ | Parking | __ | With people your age |
| __ | Flexible Hours | __ | Pension plan | __ | With the public |
| __ | Frequent travel | __ | Private Office | __ | With a team |
| __ | Good benefits | __ | Profit Sharing | __ | Work independently |
| __ | Health Insurance | __ | Reasonable hours | __ | Other _________ |
| __ | Indoors | __ | Recreational facilities | __ | Other _________ |
| __ | Job security | __ | Relaxed atmosphere |
Reflection:
Now take out your career exploration/planning notebook and record your thoughts in response to the following:
- Looking at the items that you have marked as a “1” priority, what does it show about your work condition preferences?
- Do these preferences fit with the field you are interested in?
Summary:
In your notebook, make a list of your top 5 most important working conditions.
Next Step:
- Next you may want to continue your self exploration by brainstorming some career ideas and options.
- If this exercise gave you some new career ideas, you might want to do some career research.
Individual Guidance
If you would like additional or individualized assistance to explore your preferred working conditions or see how they match to careers, please schedule an appointment to meet with a career counselor.
