Why Values Matter to Your Career
Values are ideas that are important to you.
Each person has several values that are important to him or her. Your values might not be the same as your friends or coworkers. There are many things to value. Examples of personal values include:
- Education
- Spirituality or religion
- Family
- Art or creativity
- Financial success
- Relationships
- Justice
- Independence
- Safety
- Fame or recognition
Your values can change in importance at different times in your life. Think about your values regularly and decide what is most important at that time.
For example:
- If you have young children at home, "time with the family" may be an important value. You might want a job that allows you to be home in the evenings and on weekends so you can be with your children.
- If you are single, "travel and independence" may be important values. You might want a job that allows you to travel and spend time in other cities.
Not every value will be satisfied each day at your job. However, you should be able to have a job that matches your most important values most of the time.
Next Steps:
- To help you think about which values are more important to you at work, complete the What Are Your Work Values? exercise.
- Talk to a career advisor or someone who knows you about what you value and how that might look on the job.
