Entering the World of Work

Chapter 3: Exploring Careers

Smart Tips

Real-World Connection
Think about how you are being treated when you talk to adults or during your interview. Ask yourself: “Am I being treated like an adult?” If you are not being treated like an adult, ask yourself: “Why am I not being treated like an adult?” Do I avoid looking at the person? Do I interrupt when the other person is speaking? Do I show the adult respect? Ask yourself, “What could I do differently in order to be treated like an adult?”
         Sometimes you may feel like you are being treated like an adult. Think about those times, too. Ask yourself, “Was I speaking and acting like an adult? Was I looking at the person and listening carefully to what the other was saying?”
         Sometimes talking to an adult can be scary. The more you practice respectfully communicating with adults, the easier it becomes.

Point of View

1. Make a list of activities that you like to do.
2. Make a list of team activities that are available at your school, such as the drama club, science club, or yearbook staff.
3. Put the two lists side by side. Draw an arrow from the activities you like to matching team activities in your school. For example, if you like to take photos, you would draw an arrow to the yearbook staff.
4. Make a list of three team activities that match.
5. Contact someone associated with the team activity to learn more about that team activity.
6. Ask how you could benefit the school and how you would benefit from being involved with this team.
7. Choose one of the team activities to join.

Making Good Choices
Think about what is best for you to do. Also think about how you feel about breaking the law, even if your boss asks you to do so. Think about what is the ethical thing for you to do? Think about all your options. You could try to sell the stock to your clients and not say anything. You could quit your job and tell the authorities. You could quit your job and not tell the authorities. Would you be upset if you had to quit your job? Would you be more upset if you had to break the law?
         Think about how to resolve conflict. For example, perhaps you could find another job where the company has more ethical practices. Or, you could talk to your supervisor to let him or her know that you are uncomfortable with selling the stock. You could also talk with an adult to help you talk through your options.