Importance of Work Values

It is crucial to know your work values if you want to find your ideal job. Your work values are those things in your work life that you consider to be important. When you design your career based on your values, your motivation will be greatly increased and your chances of success and fulfilment improve hugely. Otherwise you’re faced with spending 1/3 of your life doing something that doesn’t fulfill you.nnAre you aware of your work values?nnTaking the time to think about the things that really matter to you is a good starting point for finding your ideal job.nnFind a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Relax your body and mind. Look at the values listed below. Make a note of the top ten values which are most like you and the five that are least like you. Take as much time as you need.nnIndependencennHelping othersnnRisk takingnnChange and varietynnStabilitynnMaking a differencennPrestige and the social statusnnLeadershipnnTeamworknnAdvancementnnMaterial benefitsnnSecuritynnArtistic creativitynnWork environmentnnSelf expressionnnAdventure/excitementnnWorking outdoorsnnRecognitionnnCompeting with othersnnInfluencing othersnnWork-life balancennSense of achievementnnIntellectual stimulationnnChallengennWorking with data/numbersnnWorking with machinesnnWorking ideasnnWorking with hands/toolsnnStructure and predictabilitynnMaking decisionsnnSupervisionnnPublic contactnnWorking alonennWorking for a good causennPhysical worknnTraveling oftennnBeing an entrepreneurnnWorking in a fast-paced environmentnnHaving regular work hoursnnSetting your own hours/having flexibilitynnLocationnnHaving fun at worknnNow that you’ve discovered your values you should be starting to get a sense of what is important to you in terms of your career plan.nnWrite a few sentences describing or summarizing how your values translate into your ideal job.nnConsider how each is reflected in the work you currently do. Don’t assume that to find your ideal job you have to change careers completely. If you like your job but you are not happy with long working hours, is there scope for you to negotiate fewer hours ? Maybe your job allows you to work from home a couple of days a week ? Be imaginative ! Changes don’t always have to be drastic to be effective.nnIf you are happy with your career but find yourself working for a company whose values are totally different from yours, you are in the wrong place. In this case, you might consider applying for another company whose values align with yours.nnIf work-life balance is very important to you but you spend 4 hours commuting each day, this will take valuable time away from your family and the ability to pursue other activities that you would normally enjoy. Start looking for a job close to your home.nnIf you are sure that changing careers is the only way you will be happy, then start preparing yourself for the transition.nnRemember : Confucius said, "Find a job you enjoy, and you'll never work a day in your life."