Page | 24 2.3.7.A4 Alexander’s Job Offer Total Points Earned 31 Total Points Possible Name Date Percentage Class Directions: Read the scenario below to learn about Alexander. Then follow the instructions provided to help him determine whether or not to accept his new job offer. Alexander graduated from college two years ago and was fortunate to be hired at a local company as a graphic designer in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Alexander loves spending time with his family and friends and feels fortunate to have found a job in his hometown. Professionally, Alexander wants to be promoted within his occupation and knows that this depends on his level of education, so he has been working on an online college program to receive his Master’s degree. Alexander enjoys being back in college and plans on finishing his degree within three years. He also likes the flexibility an online program offers allowing him to complete the degree no matter where he is living. Alexander loves the outdoors and being active. He rents an apartment close to his job, so he has the option of riding his bike to work or driving if needed. He currently earns $43,500 and enjoys a flexible work schedule and the laid back work environment of his company. The only employee benefit offered by his current employer is two weeks of paid vacation (worth $1,676). Alexander has a friend who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas and works for a company that is searching for someone with Alexander’s skills and interests to be their Art Director. He would have an assistant and be responsible for managing large projects. Alexander applied for and was offered the job in Little Rock, which would pay $45,000 plus health insurance and two weeks paid vacation (worth $1,731). The employer‐ provided health insurance would cost Alexander $350 per month if he had to purchase the insurance on his own. The job requires some travel to the home office, which is located in Cincinnati, so he knows he would occasionally have the opportunity to combine a business trip with a visit home. In addition, the company is large enough Alexander knows he has greater opportunities for advancement, especially when he completes his Master’s degree. Alexander expects the job to have a more demanding schedule and he is uncertain about the work environment. © Take Charge Today – August 2013 – Lifelong Employment Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Page | 25 2.3.7.A4 Directions: 1. Use the information Alexander has provided to describe Alexander’s current job in Cincinnati and the new job offer in Little Rock. (1/2 point per) a. First, describe the characteristics of each job. b. Then, rank on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the least and 5 being the most desirable how much you feel that characteristic will contribute to his general overall well‐being. c. Conduct online research (websites are indicated in the Lifelong Employment 2.3.7.F1 information sheet) to determine the cost of living index and cost of living equation. d. Total the columns and analyze the results. Characteristics of Current Job Job Description Job duties and responsibilities  How does the job contribute to his career? Will he enjoy it? Does he have the skills required? Is there an opportunity for advancement? Schedule  What is the job schedule? Is travel required? How will the schedule affect his well‐being? Environment  Is the company a good fit? Is the work culture suited to his personality? Wages Wages  How much will he earn at this job? Are the wages enough to maintain (or increase) his current level of living? Employee Benefits Employee benefits  What is the monetary value of the employee benefits offered? Location Location  Consider all factors of the location of the job including commute time and if he would enjoy living in that location. Cost of Living Index  What is the cost of living index for each location? Other Other Considerations Current Job Ranking New Job Offer Ranking Characteristics of New Job Offer Total Total © Take Charge Today – August 2013 – Lifelong Employment Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Page | 26 2.3.7.A4 Answer the reflection questions below using complete sentences. 1. 2. 3. Circle the 2 factors in the chart that you feel are the most important for Alexander when choosing a job. (2 points) Cross out the 2 factors in the chart that you feel are the least important for Alexander when choosing a job. (2 points) List two pros and two cons of each job: (4 points) Cincinnati, Ohio Little Rock, Arkansas Pro Con Pro Con 4. 5. How does the total numerical ranking help to clarify Alexander’s feelings about each choice? What decision do you think Alexander should make? Should he stay at his current position or accept the new job in Arkansas? Provide at least two reasons to support your decision. (2 points) 6. How did the cost of living in each city influence the decision you made for Alexander? © Take Charge Today – August 2013 – Lifelong Employment Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona