Finding Your Core Values — A Practical Starting Point
A straightforward approach to identifying what actually matters to you, without the corporate jargon.
Read ArticleValues-Based Career Decisions That Feel Right
Learn how to evaluate job opportunities and career paths based on what you actually value, not just what looks good on paper or pays the most.
Why Your Values Matter More Than Job Titles
Most people approach career decisions backwards. You get an offer, look at the salary, check the commute, and make a choice. But here’s what actually matters: Does this job align with what you care about?
When you’re unclear about your core values, you’ll accept positions that look impressive but feel hollow. You’ll stay in roles that pay well but drain your energy. You’ll pursue titles that sound great at dinner parties but don’t reflect who you actually are.
The good news? Once you’re clear on your values, career decisions become easier. Not simple — but clearer. You’ll know which opportunities to pursue and which ones to pass on, regardless of the salary or prestige attached.
The Five Values That Drive Career Satisfaction
When evaluating a job opportunity, you’re really assessing five key dimensions. These aren’t the same for everyone — and that’s the whole point. Your combination of values is unique to you.
Impact
Does this work matter to you? Are you contributing to something you believe in, or just collecting a paycheck?
Autonomy
How much control do you have over your decisions? Some people thrive with clear direction; others need freedom to shape their own path.
Growth
Will you learn new skills? Is there room to develop professionally, or will you be doing the same work in three years?
Connection
Do you genuinely like your colleagues? Is the team culture something you want to be part of, or just tolerate?
Balance
Can you maintain the lifestyle you want? This isn’t just about hours — it’s about flexibility, stress levels, and space for the rest of your life.
How to Actually Evaluate a Job Offer
You’ve got an offer on the table. It sounds good, but something feels off. Here’s how to move past the gut feeling and make a values-based decision.
First, rank your five values from most to least important. Don’t overthink it — you probably already know which ones matter most. If impact is your top value but you’re considering a purely profit-driven role, that’s valuable information. You’re not wrong for prioritizing profit; you’re just clarifying the mismatch.
Next, assess the job on each dimension. Be honest. The company says they value “growth opportunities,” but will you actually develop new skills, or just get better at the same task? They promise “flexible hours,” but does everyone really leave at 5 p.m.? Talk to current employees if you can. They’ll tell you the real story.
Finally, compare your ranked values to the job’s actual alignment. You might find that a lower-paying role scores higher on your values than a prestigious position. That’s not a failure of analysis — that’s clarity. That’s the whole point.
Red Flags That Signal Values Misalignment
Some warning signs show up immediately if you know what to look for. These aren’t deal-breakers for everyone, but they’re important signals that the role might not align with what you care about.
Unclear expectations
If the job description is vague or the interviewer can’t clearly explain what success looks like, that’s a sign the role isn’t well-defined. You’ll spend time guessing instead of growing.
High turnover
If people leave after 18 months consistently, something’s off. Ask why. It might be normal career progression, or it might mean the job doesn’t deliver what was promised.
Values-action gap
The company talks about work-life balance but everyone’s answering emails at 10 p.m. They celebrate diversity but leadership is homogeneous. Words and reality don’t match.
Pressure to decide fast
Legitimate offers give you time to think. If they’re pushing you to decide in 24 hours without good reason, they might not respect your needs for thoughtful decision-making.
From Clarity to Decision: Your Action Plan
Here’s the practical process. You don’t need anything fancy — just honesty and willingness to sit with the question for a bit.
1
Identify your top three values
Not all five — just the three that matter most right now. These might shift over time, and that’s okay. You’re working with where you are today.
2
Research the actual reality
Talk to people who work there. Check Glassdoor. Ask the hiring manager pointed questions. Get past the marketing version of the job.
3
Score alignment honestly
For each of your top three values, rate the job 1-10. Be realistic, not optimistic. You’re not trying to convince yourself; you’re trying to understand.
4
Make your decision
If the job scores 7+ on your top values, it’s probably worth considering. If it’s consistently below 6, you’ll likely feel frustrated within a year. Trust that pattern.
Your Career is a Reflection of Your Values
You’ll spend roughly 90,000 hours at work over your lifetime. That’s not a small thing. The job you choose shapes your daily life, your stress levels, your relationships, and how you feel about yourself.
When you make decisions based on what you actually value — not what sounds impressive or pays the most — something shifts. You stop second-guessing yourself. You know why you’re there. You can endure the hard days because they’re aligned with something you care about.
Ready to get clear on your values? Start with the framework above. Take an hour this week to rank your five dimensions and honestly assess your current role or next opportunity. You might be surprised at what you learn.
Explore Your Core ValuesImportant Note
This article provides educational information about values-based decision-making for career planning. It’s not personalized career advice or professional guidance. Career decisions are deeply personal and depend on your unique circumstances. Consider discussing major career changes with a career counselor, mentor, or trusted advisor who knows your situation. Everyone’s priorities are different, and what works for one person might not work for another.
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