302 Part 3 Career Planning
day, four days a week. Other workers are allowed to set their own work
schedules so long as they include a core period when all department
employees must be present, such as 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Many occupations require people to work irregular hours as needed.
People in real estate and insurance sales often work evening hours and
weekends in order to schedule appointments with their clients. Some
doctors also work irregular hours on occasion. An obstetrician may be
called to deliver a baby any time of the day or night.
Some occupations are seasonal, such as farming fi eld crops, playing
professional sports, and operating a ski resort. Farmers usually work
their longest hours when the crops must be planted, fertilized, and
harvested. Athletes work many hours just before and during their
playing seasons, but are off the rest of the year. Winter ski resort owners
only operate during cold, snowy months.
Work Conditions
When evaluating occupations, you should also consider the conditions
in which you will be working. Are there certain environmental, physical,
or mental conditions that you fi nd uncomfortable? Would you be
opposed to working in dusty, dirty, noisy, steamy, or freezing conditions?
Would you dislike lifting boxes, climbing ladders, or sitting at a desk all
day?
Do you prefer following a set routine over and over like an assembly
line or factory worker? Would you prefer a job with constant variety
so no two days are alike? Do you want to work alone or in a team with
others?
Every job has desirable and undesirable working conditions. You will
want to choose the job that will most satisfy you.
The Pay: Starting and Potential
Although an occupation should not be selected just on the basis of
earnings, pay is an important aspect to consider. How much money do
you expect to earn during the fi rst year? How much do you want to earn
after two years or fi ve years?
Learn what wages or salaries you can expect to earn in the
occupations that interest you. What is the starting pay? How much do
experienced workers earn? Can you support yourself on that amount
of income? Could you support a family? Will additional education be
necessary for signifi cant pay increases in the future?
The amount of the paycheck is not the only fi nancial consideration.
Does the company provide any fringe benefi ts? Fringe benefi ts are
fi nancial extras in addition to the regular paycheck. Medical and life
insurance coverage, paid vacation and sick time, bonuses, and retirement
plans are examples of fringe benefi ts. You may be further ahead
fi nancially with a lower paying job that includes excellent benefi ts than
with a higher paying job having few or no benefi ts.
What work conditions
would you avoid?
Describe the ideal work
conditions.
Reflect
Further