The Career Philosophy Chart

Humanitarian Philosophy

Motive: Making a Difference

Core Question: Will I make a difference?

Perfect Job: firefighter, social worker, counselor, police officer

Pros: they have a strong desire to help others, a selfless sense of compassion, a well-developed sense of empathy

Cons: they can work too hard, get too discouraged and sometimes be so compassionate that they fail to speak the hard truth to people

Humanitarian Teacher: This is the teacher who spends long hours on student projects and who knows the class on a deep level. Often, people will assume bad motives, "She's just in it for the ego" or "He just wants to be their friends." Sadly, many Humanitarian Teachers hit a point of burn-out and can fail to take care of themselves.

Recognition Philosophy

Motive: Attaining some type of fame - think outside of just the movie star and athlete. This person wants to be known as an expert at what they do, to be famous within their career's sphere of influence (for example, a scientist who is known for research)

Core Question: Will people notice my contributions?

Perfect Job: conference speaker, politician, actor

Pros: feel important, influential and respected

Cons: it can feel empty, you become personally elusive while maintaining the facade of your image

Recognition Teacher: This is the teacher who is often more than competant at his or her job and who knows how to set boundaries. With the goal of being recognized, this teacher works carefully at PR (not always with a bad motive) toward getting a book published, a story in the newspaper or an idea to become popular.

Vocational Philosophy

Motive: Do something that fits who your identity (a combination of your passions, talent and temperament)

Core Question: Does this job fit who I am?

Perfect Job: artist, writer, singer,

Pros: you feel like you belong, you often enjoy it without the high expectations of constant enjoyment, you can stay with the career for the long haul

Cons: your job can become your life, given the fact that it's such a part of who you are

Vocational Teacher: Often people will assume this is the humanitarian teacher, because this teacher will work long hours and devote extra time to the students. However, unlike the Humanitarian Teacher, the Vocational Teacher is okay walking away and doesn't feel the intense stress of making a difference.

Hedonist Philosophy

Motive: Enjoy your job

Core Question: Is this job fun?

Perfect Job: ski instructor, personal trainer, starving actor

Pros: you get to do what you love doing on a daily basis

Cons: often doesn't pay enough, the enjoyment can diminish as you face the grueling admin tasks connected to the enjoyable job

The Hedonist Teacher: This is the teacher who has a great rapport with staff and students, who smiles often and seems to have a great time, but can sometimes fail to make the work challenging and can fall behind on admin tasks

Economic Philosophy

Motive: Good Pay

Core Question: Does this job pay enough?

Perfect Job: Tax lawyer, salesperson, district office personnel

Pros: You can enjoy your leisure comfortably and you don't have to let your job become your life

Cons: You don't enjoy your job, you can get greedy and you can become resentful

The Economic Teacher: Goes to school on contract hours, takes nothing home and volunteers on certain high-profile committees to move up the coporate latter