Entering the World of Work

Chapter 16: Planning Your Future

Smart Tips

Real-World Connection
Follow these steps to help you with your interview.

1. Ask adults about someone they might know who is self-employed.
2. Call that person and request an interview. Explain that you are to interview an entrepreneur for a class assignment.
3. Make an appointment that is a convenient time for the entrepreneur.
4. Make up a list of questions to ask. Include these questions in your list.
   • What do you like best about being self-employed?
   • What do you like least abut being self-employed?
   • Name three plusses about being self-employed?
   • Name three minuses about being self-employed?
   • What traits help you the most?
   • Why do you consider these traits helpful?
   • If you could change anything about being self-employed, what would you change? What would you not change?
5. Take good notes during your interview. If you do not understand someone, ask for more explanation.
6. After the interview, go over your notes. Clarify any notes that are not clear.

Point of View
Follow these steps to complete the activity.

1. Look at the classified ad section of your local newspaper. Make a note of the rent of several different one-bedroom apartments. Add the list of rents, and then divide the total by the number of apartments you wrote down. This will give you the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment in your community.
2. Call the local utility company to ask the average cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment in your community.
3. Add this cost to the average rent cost.

Making Good Choices
Think about the pros and cons of Jake's decisions. He could move in with Micah and save money on rent. He would not need to buy furniture. The apartment is near his work. On the other hand, Jake does not like parties, and he likes things to be clean and neat.
         Perhaps Jake could talk with Micah about his concerns. They could negotiate. Perhaps Micah could have parties only on the weekends. Jake could take responsibility for keeping the apartment clean for a reduction in his rent. Or, they could pool their money and hire someone to clean for them. If Jake really wants to live with Micah, the two of them should negotiate before Jake moves.