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Sometimes trying to decide what job to go after, what job to take, etc., seems be overwhelming. Here is a very structured method that you might be able to utilize.

First, state the problem. Let’s say you are trying to decide whether to take a job that will require a sizeable amount of travel and possible relocation but holds a strong promise of advancement.

Then draw a grid like this:

Next list your desires for your career choice. Include all pertinent items such as salary, benefits, and amount of travel and location. Also include at least three of your top work values you selected in the work values exercise earlier. Use the priority grid again to rank all of the important things about the job. List them in the left-hand column from most important down to least. List their rankings as well. Most important is ten, next is nine, etc., but there is no limit to the length of this list.

Now what are the alternatives to accepting this position? List every alternative you can come up with such as remaining at present job, returning to school, searching for another job, etc. List those alternatives across the top of the grid. Now rank each alternative in each of your desired categories on a scale from 1 to 10

Then add up the scores at the bottom of the columns. The highest score should be the choice that will be the easiest to live with.

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