The Meaning of Work

In comparison to other provinces, British Columbia is a desirable place to live, but has a relatively higher cost of living. For job seekers looking for employment opportunities, the Labour Market Outlook provides a range of factors for people to consider when choosing work. Understanding which jobs will be in high demand is helpful in creating a “road map” in order to build a successful future.

Taking stock of personal values is an important step for job seekers when looking for work. By defining one’s personal values the objective of achieving a good work/life balance is possible. Personal values also apply to non-traditional work, such as childcare and eldercare, harvesting and hunting, and traditional craft making and carving, which may also occur as a result of family, community, cultural or religious beliefs. Finding work that complements personal values can often turn a job into a career.

When making career decisions, job seekers should self-define their experience, preferences, and interests. Having a genuine interest or passion toward the work that a company does can actually be an asset to getting the job. When reviewing job applications employers look for qualifications for the job; however, they also look for “job fit” which in many cases can be the most important. “Job fit” means that the combination of experience, preference and interests align well with a company’s goals and workplace environments.

How can I work towards finding a job that can support me and also aligns with my personal values? Use the chart below and other market data to match your occupational interests, experience, abilities, work values, and work styles to careers that are in high demand in the next decade.

To learn more about how to find the alignment between your work preferences, styles and in-demand jobs, check out the Labour Market Outlook.