An Illustration Of A Career Anchor

By Robert Johnson


These are set values and perceptions of work that are unique to different people. This brings the variation among individuals when work orientation is concerned. This is because these values and priorities govern the perception that individuals have towards their careers. Wrong occupation choices have made many people frustrated and dissatisfied throughout their lives. Therefore, being aware of your attitude towards work will help you make the right decision regarding the occupation. The below article illustrates a Career anchor.

Autonomy or independence. People who lie in this category use their own rules and procedures to work. They want to remain independent from other people as much as possible, and hence they will work using their own pace, time and format. They are comfortable when they work alone. These kinds of people prefer being self-reliant, free and independent, and therefore they will give up promotion and transfers to achieve such. They can leave jobs to start their own when there is a lack of varied work and fixed working hours. They include people such as teachers.

Functional or technical competence. These people prefer being challenged, and hence they become specialists in system analyses and engineering, which are technically satisfying. Production of work that is highly effective in their areas of specialization is one of their primary motivations. The ability to succeed and get recognized due to their specialty is their self-concept. People in this group are highly knowledgeable.

The ones that seek, security. People who lie in this category are those who are afraid of working in areas of uncertainty and risks. Their primary determining factor when it comes to their ability to live their life is continuity and stability. Their main preference in a working environment is the provision of stability and security rather than challenges.

The general managerial competence kinds. The people who lie in the group of general managerial competence are those that want to rise and take the leading positions such as becoming managers. Their main areas of skills lie in analytical, emotional and interpersonal competence. These are crucial to help them in these positions. Emotional competence helps them remain calm during emotional times while the analytical skill is critical to problem solving.

The entrepreneurial types. These persons prefer being active in working for themselves. So, they will seldom work for others for an extended period of time. Their main characteristic of success is wealth. Without looking at the technology and the intellectual discipline, the primary aim of the entrepreneurial kinds is to produce services and products that are both marketable and profitable. They are highly creative and like taking up challenging assignments. They have a strong inner urge to open their enterprises.

Lifestyle anchor. These persons always want their whole lifestyle to define their concept in life. How they perceive their lifestyle determines the career they will choose. Apart from work, they believe that life should be comprised of different personal interests such as hobbies, family and many others. Their occupations are also composed of leisure and recreational activities.

Service and dedication to a cause. They live working for others. Their motivation is in the dedication of their work around living to serve others. They include nurses, therapists and others who work in supportive occupations. Money does not motivate them.




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