Pro seminar in criminal justice 2.2

"WHAT’S IMPORTANT ON THE JOB What’s important to you as you consider your career? Several factors are listed below. Rank them yourself, using 1 for most important and 17 for least important.

Amount of feedback given about your job Your performance.

Chance to do something that makes you feel good about yourself.

Amount of freedom you have on your job.

Chance to do things you do best.

Amount of pay.

Chance to learn new things.

Amount of fringe benefits.

Friendliness of people you work with.

Amount of job security.

How you are treated by your supervisor.

Amount of praise you get for a job well done.

Opportunities to develop your skills and abilities.

Chance for getting a promotion.

Resources available to do your job.

Chance for taking part in making decisions.

Respect you receive from people you.

Chance to accomplish something worthwhile work with.

Think carefully about your top rankings and how well they would be met in your chosen field. Again, record your thoughts in your journal.

Work satisfies so many human needs that those who find themselves without meaningful employment usually experience a sense of loss. If your work is unfulfilling, your needs must be met elsewhere, or anxiety, frustration, or even depression may result. If you are suddenly unemployed, as in the case of an unexpected layoff, your lifestyle may become seriously disrupted. Losing a job and being unable to find other work has driven some to such self-destructive behaviors as alcoholism, other substance abuse, and even suicide. Truly, work is important as something positive to meet your needs—not only your financial needs but also your identity and self-esteem needs.

For these reasons it is important to give careful thought to what work you pursue. This book will help you decide what you want to do with your working life. You will have a chance to look at what is important to you and what you have to offer employers. Many people spend more time planning their next vacation than they do planning what they’re going to do for the rest of their lives. To do so is risky. A brief look at the evolution of work in the United States is revealing. A BRIEF history you may be familiar with Toffl er’s “three waves” theory, which compares ocean waves to the "