When it comes to your career, knowing what you want and need is crucial to finding the right fit. This blog post is designed to help you reflect on your career priorities by creating two lists: Wants and Needs. These lists will guide your job search and decision-making process, ensuring that your next role aligns with your personal and professional goals. Grab a pen, a notebook, or open a fresh document—let’s get started!
Step 1: Identify Your Wants
Your Wants are the elements of a job or workplace that would make you happy but are not necessarily dealbreakers. These are the things that bring joy, satisfaction, or extra perks to your professional life. Consider adding some of the examples below to your list or use them to inspire your own ideas. Each example includes three levels: “I need this,” “I want this,” and “This would be nice to have.”
- Be home at dinnertime each night
- I need this: No evening or night shifts.
- I want this: Flexible hours to leave work on time.
- This would be nice to have: Occasional early finishes.
- Work from home one day per week
- I need this: A hybrid work arrangement with at least one day remote.
- I want this: Flexibility to choose which day I work from home.
- This would be nice to have: Full autonomy over my work schedule.
- Job that allows me to travel
- I need this: Travel required as a core part of the role.
- I want this: Opportunities for domestic or international travel.
- This would be nice to have: Travel fully reimbursed with perks like airline points.
- Small company with more responsibility
- I need this: A company with fewer than 50 employees.
- I want this: A collaborative culture where I can wear multiple hats.
- This would be nice to have: Mentorship opportunities and cross-functional training.
- Company that prioritises career development
- I need this: Clear career progression plans and training budgets.
- I want this: Regular performance reviews and coaching sessions.
- This would be nice to have: Access to leadership development programs.
- Be reimbursed for continuing education
- I need this: Full reimbursement for courses and certifications.
- I want this: Partial reimbursement for education aligned with my role.
- This would be nice to have: Access to free online learning platforms.
- Work for a company my friends and family know
- I need this: A well-known brand or organisation.
- I want this: A reputable company in its industry.
- This would be nice to have: A company with positive media coverage.
- Bring my dog to work
- I need this: Pet-friendly policies.
- I want this: Specific pet amenities like water stations.
- This would be nice to have: Office events that include pets.
- Work in a cool office space
- I need this: A functional and comfortable work environment.
- I want this: Modern design with collaborative spaces.
- This would be nice to have: Extras like a rooftop terrace or gym.
- Certain job title
- I need this: A title reflecting my role and seniority.
- I want this: A title that aligns with my career aspirations.
- This would be nice to have: A prestigious title for networking purposes.
- Company without a strict dress code
- I need this: Business casual or relaxed dress standards.
- I want this: Freedom to dress for comfort or personal style.
- This would be nice to have: Occasional themed dress-up days.
- Summer hours
- I need this: Adjusted hours during peak seasons.
- I want this: Early finishes on Fridays.
- This would be nice to have: Entire summer Fridays off.
- Work with a team
- I need this: A collaborative and supportive team environment.
- I want this: Team-building activities and group projects.
- This would be nice to have: Opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.
- Independent contributor
- I need this: A role where I own specific projects or tasks.
- I want this: Autonomy over my work and decision-making.
- This would be nice to have: Recognition for independent achievements.
- Small/medium/large company
- I need this: Specific company size to match my preferences.
- I want this: Opportunities tied to the company size, like growth potential or stability.
- This would be nice to have: Access to unique perks associated with the size of the organisation.
- Specific types of benefits
- I need this: Health insurance, superannuation, and leave entitlements.
- I want this: Wellness programs or additional paid leave.
- This would be nice to have: Subsidised gym memberships or childcare.
- Training programs
- I need this: Onboarding and job-specific training.
- I want this: Continuous learning opportunities.
- This would be nice to have: Access to external conferences and workshops.
- Female leadership representation
- I need this: A commitment to gender diversity in leadership.
- I want this: Visible female role models within the company.
- This would be nice to have: Initiatives supporting women’s career growth.
- Company whose product I use
- I need this: A product or service I respect and value.
- I want this: Opportunities to engage with the product as an employee.
- This would be nice to have: Employee discounts or product perks.
Step 2: Define Your Needs
Your Needs are non-negotiable. These are the must-haves that you cannot compromise on, whether due to financial, personal, or practical reasons. Missing even one of these elements would mean that a job is not suitable for you. Some examples include:
- Salary requirement
- I need this: A minimum salary to support my lifestyle.
- I want this: A competitive salary in my industry.
- This would be nice to have: Bonuses or profit-sharing opportunities.
- Benefits and allowances (Australian examples)
- I need this: Standard superannuation contributions and paid leave.
- I want this: Additional benefits like health insurance or meal allowances.
- This would be nice to have: Extra perks like professional memberships.
- Commute
- I need this: Less than one hour each way.
- I want this: Paid parking or fuel allowances.
- This would be nice to have: Public transport stops nearby.
Write down your own Needs. Be honest with yourself and make sure this list covers the essentials required to sustain your lifestyle and align with your values.
Step 3: Reflect and Rank
Once your lists are complete, review them. Consider ranking your Wants in order of importance—what would you prioritise if you couldn’t have it all? This exercise will help you make informed decisions when evaluating job opportunities.
For your Needs, ensure that every item is truly non-negotiable. If a job meets your needs and also satisfies many of your wants, it could be the perfect opportunity.
Step 4: Take Action
With your lists in hand, you’re now ready to:
- Tailor your job search to opportunities that align with your priorities.
- Evaluate job offers based on how well they meet your needs and wants.
- Communicate clearly in interviews about what matters most to you.
Remember, there is no “one-size-fits-all” career. The right role for you will be the one that aligns with your unique goals, values, and circumstances. Taking the time to identify your wants and needs is an investment in your happiness and success.
What’s on your list? Share in the comments below or start your own discussion. Let’s support each other in finding the careers we deserve!
What did you learn? 