Work Values

Achievement
You want to use your strongest abilities and see tangible results from your work. Success is measured by accomplishing goals and mastering new skills. You need to feel that your work makes a real difference and produces meaningful outcomes.
What This Looks Like:
Clear performance metrics, regular feedback on results, challenging projects that stretch your abilities, recognition for accomplishments, ability to see finished products or completed goals, merit-based advancement
Common Jobs:
Sales Representative, Software Developer, Surgeon, Athlete, Entrepreneur, Research Scientist, Chef, Real Estate Agent

Adventure
You crave excitement and new experiences in your work. Physical or intellectual challenges that push your limits appeal to you. Desk jobs feel confining - you need dynamic environments with an element of risk or discovery.
What This Looks Like:
Travel requirements, physical challenges, changing locations, outdoor work, emergency response, exploration, high-stakes decisions, adrenaline-inducing situations
Common Jobs:
Travel Photographer, Emergency Paramedic, Foreign Correspondent, Adventure Guide, Military Special Forces, Stunt Performer, Field Researcher, Pilot

Analytical Thinking
You love solving complex problems using logic and data. Breaking down information to understand root causes energizes you. You want work that challenges your intellect and requires deep thinking.
What This Looks Like:
Data-driven decision making, complex problem-solving, research projects, strategic planning, systems analysis, performance optimization, evidence-based practices
Common Jobs:
Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, Strategic Consultant, Research Scientist, Economist, Systems Engineer, Medical Researcher, Investment Analyst

Competition
You're motivated by winning and being the best. Comparing performance against others drives you to excel. You want clear metrics for success and opportunities to prove yourself against benchmarks or competitors.
What This Looks Like:
Sales rankings, performance bonuses, commission structures, competitive bidding, sports-like team atmosphere, public scoreboards, winner-take-all projects, industry competitions
Common Jobs:
Sales Executive, Trial Lawyer, Professional Athlete, Stock Trader, Real Estate Agent, Recruiter, Business Developer, Competitive Gamer

Flexibility
You value adaptability and variety in your work. Rigid routines bore you - you prefer dynamic environments where priorities shift and no two days are the same. Change energizes rather than stresses you.
What This Looks Like:
Varied daily tasks, multiple projects, changing priorities, cross-functional work, travel opportunities, different client interactions, seasonal variations, evolving responsibilities
Common Jobs:
Emergency Room Doctor, Consultant, Event Planner, Journalist, Substitute Teacher, Startup Employee, Travel Nurse, Film Producer

Independence
You value working autonomously and making your own decisions. You want control over how you do your work and the freedom to be creative. Self-direction and personal responsibility are important to you.
What This Looks Like:
Minimal supervision, flexible methods to reach goals, ability to set your own schedule or priorities, trust from management, remote work options, creative freedom, ownership of projects from start to finish
Common Jobs:
Freelance Writer, Consultant, Small Business Owner, Artist, Truck Driver, Researcher, Web Designer, Private Practice Therapist

Innovation
You want to create new ideas, products, or solutions. You thrive on thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. Routine work drains you - you need creative challenges and the freedom to experiment.
What This Looks Like:
Brainstorming sessions, R&D projects, "fail fast" culture that encourages experimentation, budget for new ideas, cross-functional innovation teams, hackathons, patent opportunities
Common Jobs:
Product Designer, Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Software Engineer, Marketing Creative, Architect, Biomedical Engineer, Game Developer

Integrity
Doing the right thing matters deeply to you. You need to work for ethical organizations where honesty is valued. You want transparency in business practices and the ability to maintain your moral standards.
What This Looks Like:
Clear ethical guidelines, whistleblower protections, transparent business practices, mission-driven organizations, fair treatment of all stakeholders, environmental responsibility, honest communication
Common Jobs:
Non-profit Director, Compliance Officer, Ethics Professor, Environmental Lawyer, Journalist, Auditor, Judge, Social Enterprise Leader

Leadership
You want to guide, motivate, and develop others. Taking charge comes naturally and you enjoy the responsibility of making decisions that affect teams. You seek positions where you can influence direction and mentor others.
What This Looks Like:
Management positions, team lead roles, project ownership, mentoring programs, decision-making authority, strategic planning involvement, opportunities to develop others
Common Jobs:
CEO, Military Officer, School Principal, Project Manager, Team Supervisor, Political Leader, Coach, Department Head

Precision
You take pride in accuracy and attention to detail. Quality matters more than quantity to you. You want work where precision is valued and mistakes have real consequences, pushing you to maintain high standards.
What This Looks Like:
Quality control processes, detailed documentation requirements, precise measurements or specifications, proofreading/editing, safety-critical work, regulatory compliance, craftsmanship standards
Common Jobs:
Surgeon, Accountant, Air Traffic Controller, Pharmacist, Quality Inspector, Jeweler, Copy Editor, Nuclear Engineer

Recognition
You want opportunities for advancement and leadership. Being respected for your expertise and having your contributions acknowledged matters to you. You value prestigious positions and social status.
What This Looks Like:
Clear career ladder, public acknowledgment of achievements, leadership opportunities, industry awards or certifications, high-visibility projects, impressive job titles, opportunities to mentor others
Common Jobs:
Executive, Military Officer, University Professor, Surgeon, Partner at Law Firm, News Anchor, Professional Athlete, School Principal

Relationships
You thrive in friendly, collaborative environments where you can help others. Competition doesn't motivate you - cooperation does. You want to feel connected to coworkers and know your work helps people.
What This Looks Like:
Team-based projects, supportive coworkers, service-oriented mission, collaborative rather than competitive culture, opportunities to mentor or train others, regular positive interactions with clients or coworkers
Common Jobs:
Teacher, Social Worker, Nurse, Human Resources, Counselor, Customer Service, Team Coach, Non-profit Worker

Service
Making a positive impact on others' lives drives you. You want to see how your work directly helps people, animals, or the environment. Money is less important than meaning and contribution to the greater good.
What This Looks Like:
Direct client/patient interaction, mission-driven organizations, visible community impact, helping vulnerable populations, educational roles, healthcare delivery, environmental protection
Common Jobs:
Social Worker, Teacher, Nurse, Veterinarian, Counselor, Non-profit Worker, Physical Therapist, Environmental Scientist

Stability
You value predictability and routine in your work. Knowing what to expect each day provides comfort. You prefer established companies with proven business models over risky startups or volatile industries.
What This Looks Like:
Established procedures, predictable schedules, steady workflow, long-term employment, traditional industries, clear expectations, minimal organizational change, pension plans
Common Jobs:
Government Worker, Bank Employee, Utility Company Staff, Tenured Teacher, Insurance Underwriter, Manufacturing Worker, Postal Worker, Hospital Administrator

Support
You value having supportive management and clear company policies. You want supervisors who have your back and provide both technical guidance and personal understanding. Stability and good management matter more than independence.
What This Looks Like:
Accessible managers, clear policies and procedures, regular check-ins with supervisors, good training programs, managers who advocate for their teams, constructive feedback, help when facing challenges
Common Jobs:
Government Employee, Bank Teller, Large Corporation Employee, Union Worker, Hospital Staff, School District Employee, Insurance Company Worker

Working Conditions
You prioritize job security, good benefits, and comfortable working conditions. Variety in daily tasks and fair compensation are important. You want a stable, secure position with good work-life balance.
What This Looks Like:
Comprehensive benefits package, job security/tenure, comfortable physical environment, variety in daily tasks, fair pay, reasonable hours, paid time off, retirement plans, safe working conditions
Common Jobs:
Federal Employee, Teacher (with tenure), Union Tradesperson, Corporate Accountant, Utility Company Worker, Hospital Administrator, Bank Manager