Work and Money Values: The Complete Guide

We spend much of our lives working, and money influences nearly every aspect of how we live.

Yet few people can clearly articulate what they really want from work or how they truly feel about money.

This guide helps you explore your work and money values to make better career choices and achieve financial peace of mind.

1. What Are Work Values?

Work values (also called career values or professional values) are the priorities that determine what you find satisfying and meaningful in work.

Common Work Values

• Compensation: High salary and financial security
• Growth: Learning, skill development, advancement
• Purpose: Meaningful work that contributes to society
• Autonomy: Freedom in how and when you work
• Relationships: Quality colleagues and work culture
• Work-Life Balance: Time for life outside work
• Security: Stable employment and predictability
• Creativity: Innovation and building new things
• Challenge: Difficult problems and achievement
• Expertise: Becoming a specialist in your field

There's no "right" set of work values—everyone prioritizes differently, and that's what makes each career path unique.

2. Discovering Your Work Values

Method 1: Reflect on Past Experiences

Think about your most fulfilling work moments:

• When did you feel truly engaged?
• What accomplishments brought real satisfaction?
• In what environments did you thrive?

Also examine frustrating experiences—they reveal values that weren't being met.

Method 2: Prioritize Work Value Factors

Review the values list above. Categorize each as "essential," "nice to have," or "not important." Your essentials are your core work values.

Method 3: Envision Your Ideal Workday

• Where are you working?
• Who are you working with?
• What tasks fill your day?
• What happens after work?

For detailed work values discovery, see Discover Your Work Values for Career Clarity.

3. Values-Based Career Decisions

Once you know your work values, apply them to real decisions.

When Considering a Career Change

1. Check value alignment: Does this role satisfy your top values?
2. Identify acceptable trade-offs: Which values can you compromise on?
3. Think long-term: Will this work still fulfill you in 5-10 years?

When Unhappy in Your Current Role

• Identify which values aren't being met
• Explore whether changes within your current role are possible
• Acknowledge values that are being met to maintain perspective

"People often choose jobs for money or status. But lasting satisfaction comes from work that aligns with your values."

4. What Are Money Values?

Money values are your beliefs, attitudes, and emotional responses around money.

Common Money Value Types

• Security-oriented: Prioritizes savings and financial stability
• Freedom-oriented: Views money as a tool for independence
• Status-oriented: Sees money as a measure of success
• Experience-oriented: Uses money for memories and adventures
• Contribution-oriented: Uses money to help others

Where Money Values Come From

Your money values are shaped by:

• Family background: How your family talked about and handled money
• Personal experiences: Financial hardship or abundance you've known
• Culture and society: Messages from media and community

Understanding these origins helps you evaluate whether your money beliefs still serve you.

5. Examining Your Money Values

Explore Your Money Emotions

Consider these questions:

• What emotions arise when discussing money? (Anxiety, excitement, shame...)
• How do you feel after a major purchase?
• What beliefs do you hold about wealthy people?
• How was money discussed in your childhood home?

Analyze Your Spending

Review your spending from the past month. What does it reveal about your true priorities? Does your spending align with your stated values?

Clarify What Money Represents

Money is a means, not an end. What do you really want money to provide?

• Security?
• Freedom?
• Experiences?
• Family wellbeing?
• Ability to contribute?

6. Money Values with Partners

Money is one of the most common sources of relationship conflict.

Common Conflicts

• Savers vs. spenders
• Joint finances vs. separate accounts
• Different views on major purchases
• Priorities around children's education, housing, retirement

Aligning Money Values with Partners

1. Understand each other's values: Share not just what you believe, but why
2. Establish shared goals: Home, education, retirement, travel, etc.
3. Create ground rules: Monthly savings, personal spending allowances, discussion thresholds
4. Schedule regular money talks: Monthly check-ins prevent surprises and resentment

For more on couples and money, see Money Values: Aligning with Your Partner.

7. Work, Money, and Life Balance

Work and money values exist within the context of your overall life values.

Consider the Bigger Picture

• No amount of money compensates for no time with loved ones
• All the free time in the world doesn't help if you're financially stressed
• Meaningful work is hollow if it destroys your health

Know Your "Enough"

Regarding money, it's crucial to define "enough." Constantly chasing "more" guarantees perpetual dissatisfaction.

Review Regularly

Work and money values shift with life stages:

• 20s: Often prioritize growth and challenge
• 30s: Stability and family balance may gain importance
• 40s+: Purpose and contribution often become central

Regularly reassess your values to keep your life direction current.

"Money is a good servant but a bad master." — Francis Bacon

8. Go Deeper

Clarify your work and money values to design a more fulfilling life.