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What should be a person's top priority when choosing a job?
Out of all the priorities in one's life towards a job such as income, convenience, enjoyment, etc. which is the most significant?
8 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Morgan !
I believe that out of all the employment priorities mission and purpose are the most important. Really developing and knowing what you want to contribute is basically the main aspect of working.
I believe that out of all the employment priorities mission and purpose are the most important. Really developing and knowing what you want to contribute is basically the main aspect of working.
Thank you, Michelle!
Morgan
You're welcome, Morgan !
Michelle M.
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Normally people look at the money issue. How much are they going to make. I think this is a huge mistake.
Let me just list some factors that you might want to consider besides money:
What are the benefits of the job? You might find out that the benefits are worth more to you than the money. Those benefits could include several kinds of insurance, such as health, I care, dental, life insurance. How much time you get off. What you're working hours are. How you can accrue personal and or vacation time. And is it paid or not. Do they have a retirement plan. Do they contribute to the plan. Are there stock options, or are there other benefits unique to that company, such as an employee discount. You should also ask about parking.
You should also know who your direct supervisor is, and who might be above them. You also want to know about your fellow employees. You get into a situation where there's already a power struggle going on, or your fellow employees don't want to work with you, you're going to hate that job.
Related to this, you want to know who's going to train you for this job or, who your mentor is going to be. That will be very important as they are going to help you transition to this new job. You might also ask about ongoing training as well. Everybody needs to keep up with their skills.
Depending on the situation, you might also ask about security. Some places have very tight security, other places no security at all. That puts you in a very dangerous situation. When you're working with the public, you never know what to expect. You're working in a cubicle all by yourself, that becomes less of a problem.
Some other possibly less important things might be what is the dress code, how much are you going to have to travel, and policies and procedures of the company. It would be very helpful to know some of the stuff ahead of time. Some companies have restrictions. These could be from a simple thing such as using a copy machine for personal use, to no married couples being able to work for the same company. If you start dating somebody at the company, you may be asked to leave.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say is money is not the primary objective. You want to look for a job that you love going to everyday and you love the people that you work with. As they say, find a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life!
Let me just list some factors that you might want to consider besides money:
What are the benefits of the job? You might find out that the benefits are worth more to you than the money. Those benefits could include several kinds of insurance, such as health, I care, dental, life insurance. How much time you get off. What you're working hours are. How you can accrue personal and or vacation time. And is it paid or not. Do they have a retirement plan. Do they contribute to the plan. Are there stock options, or are there other benefits unique to that company, such as an employee discount. You should also ask about parking.
You should also know who your direct supervisor is, and who might be above them. You also want to know about your fellow employees. You get into a situation where there's already a power struggle going on, or your fellow employees don't want to work with you, you're going to hate that job.
Related to this, you want to know who's going to train you for this job or, who your mentor is going to be. That will be very important as they are going to help you transition to this new job. You might also ask about ongoing training as well. Everybody needs to keep up with their skills.
Depending on the situation, you might also ask about security. Some places have very tight security, other places no security at all. That puts you in a very dangerous situation. When you're working with the public, you never know what to expect. You're working in a cubicle all by yourself, that becomes less of a problem.
Some other possibly less important things might be what is the dress code, how much are you going to have to travel, and policies and procedures of the company. It would be very helpful to know some of the stuff ahead of time. Some companies have restrictions. These could be from a simple thing such as using a copy machine for personal use, to no married couples being able to work for the same company. If you start dating somebody at the company, you may be asked to leave.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say is money is not the primary objective. You want to look for a job that you love going to everyday and you love the people that you work with. As they say, find a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life!
Xavier Bell | MBA
Career Change - Life Learner- Education People Development
13
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Xavier’s Answer
Hello Morgan, This is the question we all struggle with. Many people have “great” jobs and are unhappy. So the first thing you have to do is define “great” for you. Priorities change thoughout your career and life. Money is big, but it is not everything. I have left a job that paid well because I never saw my family so I prioritized that and took a pay cut. It dramatically improved may happiness and what one may consider personal success; 20 plus years of a happy marriage, academically advanced kids, one valedictorian and homecoming queen studying pre-med at a top university and the other on a hi-tech path including robotics and future designs to work at NASA.
But the job I went to was not personally challenging or rewarding so now I am looking to change careers.
So when looking to select a job based on one’s “top priority” remember priorities change as we move through life. By preparing yourself on a solid academic path you will give yourself the greatest amount of freedom to pivot when you feel it is necessary. Life can come at you pretty fast. The window we have post high school is valuable. Use it to position yourself for change down the road. Life change, personal change and changes in our priorities.
Excelsior!
But the job I went to was not personally challenging or rewarding so now I am looking to change careers.
So when looking to select a job based on one’s “top priority” remember priorities change as we move through life. By preparing yourself on a solid academic path you will give yourself the greatest amount of freedom to pivot when you feel it is necessary. Life can come at you pretty fast. The window we have post high school is valuable. Use it to position yourself for change down the road. Life change, personal change and changes in our priorities.
Excelsior!
Updated
Kim’s Answer
When it comes to choosing a job, it's important to consider multiple factors. Here are some more detailed points to help you prioritize:
1. Passion and enjoyment: Finding a job that aligns with your interests and brings you joy can make a significant impact on your overall satisfaction and fulfillment.
2. Work-life balance: Consider how the job will fit into your lifestyle and allow you to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
3. Growth and development: Look for opportunities that offer room for growth, skill development, and career advancement. Continuous learning and improvement can be fulfilling in the long run.
4. Compensation and benefits: Income is an essential consideration for many individuals. Evaluate the salary, benefits package, and potential for financial stability.
5. Company culture and values: Assess if the company's culture aligns with your values and if it provides a supportive and inclusive environment.
6. Location and convenience: Think about the location of the job and how it fits into your daily routine, commute, and overall convenience.
Remember, everyone's priorities can differ based on their individual circumstances and goals. Take the time to reflect on what matters most to you personally.
1. Passion and enjoyment: Finding a job that aligns with your interests and brings you joy can make a significant impact on your overall satisfaction and fulfillment.
2. Work-life balance: Consider how the job will fit into your lifestyle and allow you to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
3. Growth and development: Look for opportunities that offer room for growth, skill development, and career advancement. Continuous learning and improvement can be fulfilling in the long run.
4. Compensation and benefits: Income is an essential consideration for many individuals. Evaluate the salary, benefits package, and potential for financial stability.
5. Company culture and values: Assess if the company's culture aligns with your values and if it provides a supportive and inclusive environment.
6. Location and convenience: Think about the location of the job and how it fits into your daily routine, commute, and overall convenience.
Remember, everyone's priorities can differ based on their individual circumstances and goals. Take the time to reflect on what matters most to you personally.
Updated
Sheshai’s Answer
Find your self .
Find out what you love .
Get a relationship and fall in love with yourself. We are always interested in our lovers interests. Pick your own brain. On a date. Then...... you will know what street your new career is on. It will be enjoyed . And then you will fulfill your goal and complete your hearts desires.
Second
Find out what you love .
Get a relationship and fall in love with yourself. We are always interested in our lovers interests. Pick your own brain. On a date. Then...... you will know what street your new career is on. It will be enjoyed . And then you will fulfill your goal and complete your hearts desires.
Sheshai recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hello Morgan,
When choosing a job, a person's top priority should be aligning the position with their long-term career goals and personal values. It's important to consider the job's role in your overall career trajectory and how it can help you advance towards your professional aspirations. Work-life balance is another critical factor; ensuring that the job allows for a healthy balance between work and personal life can significantly affect job satisfaction and overall well-being. Additionally, evaluating the company culture and whether it matches your own values and working style is essential for long-term job satisfaction. Lastly, consider the compensation and benefits package to ensure it meets your financial needs and includes benefits that are important to you, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
When choosing a job, a person's top priority should be aligning the position with their long-term career goals and personal values. It's important to consider the job's role in your overall career trajectory and how it can help you advance towards your professional aspirations. Work-life balance is another critical factor; ensuring that the job allows for a healthy balance between work and personal life can significantly affect job satisfaction and overall well-being. Additionally, evaluating the company culture and whether it matches your own values and working style is essential for long-term job satisfaction. Lastly, consider the compensation and benefits package to ensure it meets your financial needs and includes benefits that are important to you, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Alexandra M. S. Scheibelhut
Program Director for a federal TRIO grant
9
Answers
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Updated
Alexandra M. S.’s Answer
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a career. Every person would make their list in a different order, and like Xavier said, your list will change and get re-ordered through your life.
Personal satisfaction (Does this work stimulate me mentally, or let me lead with my heart, and does it feel "right" with my spirit?)
Practicality (Are the benefits good enough, and will my schedule work for my family, and will there always be work to do?)
Community Impact (How will my future children or family view my career choices, or how does this career enhance my neighbor's lives?)
Personal satisfaction (Does this work stimulate me mentally, or let me lead with my heart, and does it feel "right" with my spirit?)
Practicality (Are the benefits good enough, and will my schedule work for my family, and will there always be work to do?)
Community Impact (How will my future children or family view my career choices, or how does this career enhance my neighbor's lives?)
Updated
Alison’s Answer
Hey Morgan!
Someone once told me that every person is one of the following:
-a people-person (most important to you is the people that you are surrounded by)
-a place-person (most important to you is your location--beach, mountains, abroad, etc.)
-a purpose-person (most important to you is the work that you are doing)
Of these three categories, everyone has one that stands out to them more than the others, and therefore supersedes the others in order of importance. It's important to remember that a job is just PART of your life, and it's of utmost importance that you're happy with your life. When you're picking a job, first sit and reflect which of the 3 P's is most important to you right now; then pick a job that is well-aligned to that.
All in all I think the answer to your question is subjective--it totally depends on what YOU value most at the moment. As your priorities shift, it's possible (and even likely) that the "most significant" aspect of your job is going to change along with that. Keep your own values in mind, and the most significant aspects of your next job will become clear. :)
Someone once told me that every person is one of the following:
-a people-person (most important to you is the people that you are surrounded by)
-a place-person (most important to you is your location--beach, mountains, abroad, etc.)
-a purpose-person (most important to you is the work that you are doing)
Of these three categories, everyone has one that stands out to them more than the others, and therefore supersedes the others in order of importance. It's important to remember that a job is just PART of your life, and it's of utmost importance that you're happy with your life. When you're picking a job, first sit and reflect which of the 3 P's is most important to you right now; then pick a job that is well-aligned to that.
All in all I think the answer to your question is subjective--it totally depends on what YOU value most at the moment. As your priorities shift, it's possible (and even likely) that the "most significant" aspect of your job is going to change along with that. Keep your own values in mind, and the most significant aspects of your next job will become clear. :)
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