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Lyla Jeong

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What is the top priority for you when getting a job?

I'm now in my final year at university and going to graduate in 3 months, which makes me nervous. I have'nt decided yet what I have to do and where I would go. Probably most students in their final year at school would be worried about this and attempt to figure it out.

My parents regard stability of job as the most important thing.
On the other hand, some would have other standards.
What do you think is the most important factor when getting a job?
I really need some advice from you who have lots of experiences in life.

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  • Mikey Lee

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    Nov 21 2012: I think Fritzie said it best - "the opportunity to learn"

    I'm 30, but have had numerous jobs in numerous companies since graduating, and everytime I changed jobs/companies, my one deciding factor was "what was in it for me", besides the money of course. How could this company allow me to learn and expand my skillset, my network, etc.
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    Kate Blake 50+

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    Nov 21 2012: Some very interesting advice here Lyla and I agree with most of it but would like to throw in another issue to think about.

    'stability' of job was never big for me, in fact I came and went from the public service so often they told me my file was marked 'unstable'. Yet they chase me for consultancy work because I have both the qualifications and a very solid professional basis.

    Firstly I used to work my way up through the system and when I met a block eg women can't do this or that, I'd leave and go onto the next job. Always I worked very hard, stayed out of the workplace politics and left when I felt I'd stopped growing. This meant new challenges which kept me alert and interested but in those days there was many jobs to choose from.

    The advise below is very useful but at the end of the day it's your life and only you can make the choices.

  • Rene Molnar

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    Nov 19 2012: My top priority for me when getting a job is looking for a job that I will absolutely love. Why do I say this? Take this quote as an example:

    "If you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life"

    Imagine never thinking of work as a job, but as your hobby. This would make your life so much better.

  • greg dahlen 20+

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    Nov 13 2012: I would think something you like doing. What do you like to do? If you like movies, maybe you could work in the movie business. If you like food, maybe you could become a cook. If you like travel, maybe you could work in a hotel. In Korea, do you have to choose a major in university? What was your major? How did you choose your major, was it a subject area you liked, or did you choose it for some other reason? If your major is something you like, maybe you can get a job in that field.

    If you don't know what you like, maybe you could ask your family or friends what they think you like. When do you seem the happiest to them?

    Most colleges and universities, at least here in the States, offer courses where you can explore different careers, and also explore your aptitudes.
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    Mitch SMith 50+

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    Nov 9 2012: Hi Lyla,

    At one time I got jobs becuse it was "the done thing".
    At other times I got jobs to finance my work - which was professional music. A thing that requires a good deal of development before it generates income.
    At other times i got jobs as part of a "carreer" - rather than participating in "the done thing" I decided to win the get-money game. Which I did. It was not very satisfying, and my work reasserted itself.

    These days I don't get jobs, I am doing my work professionally. No longer playing music but making musical instruments.

    There is a vast difference between "job" and "work". When one finds one's true work, jobs and money are no longer the priority.

    I recommend you find your work - it took me altogether too long to break through blind tradition to learn this - there is no reason why anyone should get a job except in serving their work - and absolutely no reason why anyone should take as long as I did to realise the difference.

    Hope this helps.
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    Robert Winner 50+

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    Nov 8 2012: What was right for me may not apply at all for you. As a soon to be graduate make a list and fill in the blanks: Are jobs available in your field? What is the unemployment rate? Can or will you move? Are food and a room important to this decision? What debits are you carrying? How long can you survive without a job? and last would you be happy there?

    We all do things we do not want to do in order to get to where we want to be. Make your dreams attainable. Heck I want to be King of the US. Not quite there yet.

    Your parents generation and mine were of the same thought. Once we were employed we fought hard to advance and did nothing to jeapordize the job. Jobs were scarce and to care for our families was a sacred obligation and a matter of honor.

    So here is my advice (its really cheap) from a non-professional ... Send out resumes to places you would like to work NOW. If you do not hear from any of them there is either something wrong with your resume or your qualifications, find out which. Of the companies that respond match them against your list. Remember that a call back or a interview does not commit you. Do nothing to remove yourself from job contention.

    Once hired you should work there for a year or two and give it a fair chance. Your job history will never suffer from leaving for a promotion in another company. Work to place yourself in a position for advancement or obtaining skills to be applied later.

    To answer the last question: What is the most important factor ... there is none ... you are seen as a whole package of what you can bring to the table for the company. Someone there will see your potential. What is important is to not get involved in the politics and gossip of the office / company. Let your actions, work ethic, and results speak for you.

    I wish you all the best. Bob.
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    Anku Saraa

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    Nov 8 2012: Was about to share mine, but guess I have not enough experience in life. lol :)

    Anyway, actually I had to face that choice two years ago. And of course I did, and chose to study furthermore. Doing so,
    I think I've just extended my time to think about it, and it's consequences.

    So what I'd say to you is good luck and find it out. ;D
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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Nov 7 2012: Another important factor is the opportunity to learn from the work.
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    Feyisayo Anjorin 50+

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    Nov 7 2012: For me, my faith is the most important thing to me, so even though I'm passionate about my career, I've rejected jobs that could negatively affect my faith and God-give vision.

    I think you should focus on doing what you really love to do, the thing that you have the passion, talent and skill to do. This is the time to examine yourself to know what you stand for; and what your short-term vision is, and what your long-term vision is. Don't forget that its all about you, its your life, so even though your parents would have great ideas and what you should do; you still have to make a decision that would bring you happiness and satisfaction.
    Money is not the most important thing, but it is important; so you have to put it into consideration. Then, do you want to live in Gongju-City or do you want to live in Seoul, Suwon or any city other than your current residence?

    I will advice that you face the future with courage. You have all it takes to succeed; and if you make mistakes, then you are not the only one. It's part of the process.
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