Career Orientation Unit 3 Making Decisions

Decisions The choice between two or more possibilities May resolve conflict A clash of ideas or values All decisions have consequences (results) What decisions have you made today?

Decisions Factors that affect decisions Values Self-esteem Peer pressure Decisions of others Available resources Friends/family

Decision-Making Process The steps one takes to make the best decision Road map to save you time and help you reach your dreams

Career Decisions It may seem early to make career decisions now…but your career decision may be tentative. Tentative A decision or plan that can be changed IS NOT DEFINITE! You will be able to have a sense of what you would like to do and the goals you want to work toward. Changing a decision is much better than never making a decision at all!

Tips on Making Better Career Decisions Remember others will put pressure on you to do what they want you to do Don’t be afraid of failure Pay attention to daily decisions Might have to compromise To give up something to resolve a conflict Remember that decisions have both good and bad outcomes Accept the outcome Remember, you can change decisions Don’t depend on luck

Step 1: Define What You Need vs. What You Want Needs Things you must have to survive Wants Things you would like to have, but do not have to have; luxuries Be specific Consider your values, goals, interests, abilities, etc.

Step 2: Look Carefully at Your Resources Anything a person has or uses to reach a goal Strengths, skills, or talents Human resources People Nonhuman resources Time, money, etc.

Step 3: List Your Options Write down every possible choice that comes to mind. Most of the time you will have more than 1 option. Do not eliminate any choices, think of as many as you can.

Step 4:Weigh the Possible Outcomes Consider advantages/disadvantages of each option What are the consequences? Some will have desirable effects, others undesirable

Step 5: Make Your Decision Choose the best option One choice may not come out way ahead of others Two or three may tie

Step 6:Act on Your Decision Make a plan to get started The course of action one decides to take at the end of the decision-making process Be willing to accept consequences See decision all the way through Maintain positive attitude

Step 7: Evaluate Evaluate Did you make the right decision? To look at closely and judge Did you make the right decision? Would you do anything differently?