Values are ingrained very deep for each of us. It is because of our values that we decide whether to help someone or not, whether to cheat or not, whether to go by fair means or unfair means and likewise. 

Since we are not aware of our values, we often suffer from indecisiveness and get influenced by others easily. Many times when we do make decisions we are fraught with fear and unease because we are not aware why we have made those decisions. Making a career choice is one such decision that we often take under the influence of peer pressure, popularity trend or glamour. Many people live to regret their decision because though we may eventually make good money, if the demands of the career do not match with our values, We cannot feel the connection with our work leading to dissatisfaction. 

Thus it is very essential to spend some time to know ourselves and our values. Value is defined as one's principles, priorities or standards. It is the silent energy behind your definitions of right or wrong, good or bad, yes or no, now or later, fun or commitment and so on.

Here is a short exercise to help you understand what constitutes “values” and what can be some of your values. A sincere attempt at this exercise would help you connect with yourself and make career and other decisions with more confidence and independently.

EXERCISE: Listed below are a number of work-related values and their short description. Give a number from 0 to 10 to each of these according to their importance for you (0=no importance and 10=great importance).

___ Prestige: Being well-known and prominent

___ Responsibility: wanting to look dependable to others 

___ Adventure: Taking risks

___ Independence: Acting on your own, freedom

___ Challenge: Enjoying difficult tasks and problems

___ Creativity: Trying to do things in a new ways

___ Accomplishment: Wanting to excel and achieve

___ Variety: Wanting and enjoying change

___ Security: Wanting a comfortable/predictable future 

___ Power and authority: Taking leadership, being in charge

___ Money: Liking material possessions

___ Integrity: Behaving consistently with own beliefs, Fulfilling promises

___ Altruism: Helping people/ society/ Animals

___ Honesty: Valuing truthful interactions

___ Artistic expression: Caring about beauty and harmony

___ Leisure: Having time for hobbies and recreation

___ Health: Having a balanced lifestyle

___ Others:

Look over your list and circle your five highest marked values. A combination of the 5 values will be an indication of certain professions that would be good for you For instance a combination of prestige, challenge, Responsibility, Power and authority and Security may be values that can be realized through being a civil servant ( IAS,IPS, IFS, IRS).

Now List your ideas for careers that may fit with your most important values:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

This is the beginning. Once you have done all other self analysis activities, you may be able to confidently select one or two careers that would be best for you.

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