What Are Your Personal Values and Beliefs?

We hear the words values and beliefs all the time, but have we really ever taken time to dissect what our own are? Millennials are known to be driven by their values and beliefs. They want to work for companies whose social responsibility and mission match their own. I should know, as I am one of them. My values and beliefs drove my career choices, and led me to the job I have today.

Family is the most important thing in my life.
I’m sure many of you are nodding your head at this statement. I knew that I would not fare well in a job that consumed my soul and had me on call 24/7. Instead I needed a more relaxed environment where it was understood that familial issues always came first. As an added bonus, I even found myself within an organization that helps strengthen ties between parents and children. My love for my family and wanting to put them first always is part of what drove me into my current career.

I wanted to help people.
This is the factor that drove me into wanting to work in the nonprofit world in general. I wanted a job where everything I did resulted in helping other people. I did not want a job where I was only working there for the salary; I wanted to make an impact in the world. By working in the nonprofit sector for an amazing cause, I am able to fulfill this belief of mine.

These are two of the biggest values and beliefs that I have. Both drove me into the career path I’m in now. This personal experience of mine may help you figure out your own values and beliefs, or help you at least realize how important it is to know your own. They really can shape your life.

What are your personal values and beliefs?
Well, what makes you happy? What do you strongly believe in? What comes before everything else? To me, that’s my family. For you it may be the same, or it may be something different. There is no right or wrong answer. Take some time and figure out what yours are.

Millennials want to work for employers who have similar beliefs and values to their own, and of course are committed to them. Sixty-two percent of millennials polled in the UK want to work for a company that has a positive impact in the world, 50% would choose purposeful work over having a higher salary, and 53% said that they would work harder if they were making a difference in the lives of others.

These stats are insanely strong – and show why it’s important to know your values and beliefs. Are you still not convinced? Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited’s fifth annual Millennial Survey showed that millennials’ values do not change as they themselves professionally change. According to the survey, “millennials appear to be steered by strong values at all stages of their careers; it’s apparent in the employers they choose, the assignments they’re willing to accept, and the decisions they make as they take on more senior-level roles.”

It’s okay to not know what your own personal values and beliefs are right now. However, it can greatly help you when it comes to the job hunt. If you are still not entirely sure what your values and beliefs are, spend some time this week figuring it out. It’s okay to take a break for a bit and focus on yourself. In the long run, it’ll help steer you in the right direction.