1. family
Does this occupation allow me to spend a reasonable amount of time away from work with my family?
2. philosophy/environment
What is this company's philosophy and does it fit with mine? Do I believe in it? Is the work environment engaging and supportive? Are there like-minded individuals working there to support the common cause?
3. pay/benefits
Not rocket science here. I just want to make enough to live in a decent neighborhood with decent schools, and a chance to put my children through school, as well as retire with some sort of grace. Nothing more than middle-class, which is disappearing.
4. learning/discovery
Does this position posses the opportunity to learn and discover new things from time to time?
5. position/duties/opportunity
If I do great work, will I be rewarded with career advancement opportunities and increasing responsibilities? Will I at some point have a greater role in the larger undertaking? Is this a collaborative venture?
6. location
Similar concerns to question #1. Will I have to travel far? Will I have to spend a lot of time away from family?
7. human experience
At some point, you have to show me how your organization is committed to benefiting the human experience. This usually means that places like Wal-Mart, Target, Coca-Cola, and other retail-centered businesses are off-limits for me. I don't care how much they contribute to charity, their bottom line is the bottom line, and nothing more. I have to feel like I am in some way directly or indirectly benefiting the people of the world with my work. It's just a larger-picture mentality I have. That's why working for ClimateCrisis, Plug-In America, Bruce Mau Design, the Walker Art Center, or my local Co-Op is far more desirable to me than Target.
*image courtesy of shifting creations.
