Some Examples Of A Career Anchor

By Robert Johnson


Every person is different and unique from the other when it comes to their orientation towards work. So, the approach of each person to work is governed by absolute values and some set priorities. These tend to give a person the direction towards their occupation. Many people have become dissatisfied and frustrated due to wrong occupation choices. Being aware of your motive and guidance for work will help you make an intelligent as well as appropriate occupation choice. The following are the examples of a career anchor.

Autonomy or independence. People who lie in this category use their own rules and procedures to work. They want to remain independent from other people as much as possible, and hence they will work using their own pace, time and format. They are comfortable when they work alone. These kinds of people prefer being self-reliant, free and independent, and therefore they will give up promotion and transfers to achieve such. They can leave jobs to start their own when there is a lack of varied work and fixed working hours. They include people such as teachers.

Technical or functional competence. People around this category are quite knowledgeable, and they prefer taking jobs that involve system analyses and engineering. Their motivation lies in the production of highly effective work in the field of their specialization. Their self-concept is determined by the ability to succeed and get recognized in their specialty. They actively identify themselves with their specialty. Doing their jobs better than others while using their skills is the primary way to meet the challenges they face. They like being challenged.

Stability or security. These people always avoid jobs with risks and uncertainty. Their preferred working environments are in public and government sectors. People in this group of security or stability prefer working in situations which can provide safety rather than those which are risky and challenging. Stability and continuity profoundly determine their ability to live their life.

Competence in management. The primary motivation for individuals around this group is to rise in the corporate ladder and obtain the highest responsibilities. Their main aim is management and topmost positions. They have three areas of skills that is emotional, interpersonal and analytical. They use them to manage their jobs. Emotional competence is the ability to deal with emotional problems while the analytical skills help them provide solutions to challenging situations.

Creativity in entrepreneurship. The objective of these people is to produce both a marketable and a profitable product and service regardless of technology and intellectual discipline. They believe that large monies should characterize success. So, they will spend very less time working for others and become active working in their enterprises. Taking risks and overcoming obstacles is their motivation. They like taking assignments that are challenging.

The lifestyle types. These believe that life should be made of different interests. So, their occupation is one which allows them to integrate all their interests such as hobbies, family, friends, and others. Their total lifestyle defines their life concept.

Service and dedication to a cause. They live working for others. Their motivation is in the dedication of their work around living to serve others. They include nurses, therapists and others who work in supportive occupations. Money does not motivate them.




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