The Connection Between Working and My Preferences
This activity aims to help students learn about various personal preferences impacting work hours and job schedules (e.g., shifts, part-time, full-time, public benefits, days of week, number of days per week, time of day, flexible hours)
Discuss
We’re going to explore different work hours and job schedules, like full-time, part-time, and different shifts. We’ll also look at how the days of the week and the time of day can affect your work life.
While thinking about work, you also need to understand your personal preferences so you can choose a job that fits your needs and lifestyle. Personal preferences are like your favorite activities, other commitments, habits, and motivators that can affect what kind of job you might have, including public benefits you might receive.
Let’s start by learning about different types of shifts, environments and other work considerations.
Resource
Exploring Personal Preferences (PowerPoint)
Consider responsibilities (helping family?), medical needs (timing of medications?), or independent living needs (time it takes to get ready).
Review
Let’s talk through some scenarios:
- What preferences does a high school student need to consider if looking for work? (likely unavailable during school hours, may work more during the summer, may need to consider transportation like bus times or who can drive them and when that person would be available)
- Remember, your first job does not have to be your forever job. It may be a way to gain experience, work readiness skills, and learn more about your interests. It may also be an entry level job into a career of interest.
Extending the Conversation
What preferences does a student in college or other postsecondary education programs need to consider if looking for work? (class schedules, relation to major or degree, internship opportunities, financial need, time available)