Decisions to Make

Use the space below to write about your thoughts and feelings.

• Describe a career decision that you need to make.

• Consider why you need to make a decision. This is part of the first phase of the CASVE (pronounced ka SAH ve) cycle, a decision-making model you will learn about in this chapter. ( Sampson et al., 2004; and Reardon et al., 2009). According to this theory, all of these areas below can impact your awareness that a decision is needed. What tells you that this decision is necessary to make at this time?

• Events. Are there any events that occurred or will occur soon, such as an impending academic deadline, a job offer, or a layoff? Describe career-related events in your life that require a decision.

• Comments from Friends or Relatives. Have you heard comments or questions that address a decision you need to make, such as those about your plans after graduation or how you will cover your expenses? What were the comments, and what is your reaction?

• The Way You Feel. Do you have any strong emotions about career decisions, such as feeling anxious, scared, angry, bored, disinterested, or frustrated? What emotions are you feeling?

• Avoiding Your Problems. Procrastinating can also be a signal that a decision is looming. Describe ways you may be putting off decisions and the decisions you are avoiding.

• Physical Problems. Headaches, stomachaches, loss of appetite, or lethargy might be body signals that suggest the need for a decision to be made. Describe any body signals you have noticed.

• Do you feel ready to make the career decision you described? Why or why not?