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2.3.7.A4
Alexander’s Job Offer
Total Points Earned
Name
31 Total Points Possible
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.
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
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. Circle the 2 factors in the chart that you feel are the most important for Alexander when choosing a
job. (2 points)
2. Cross out the 2 factors in the chart that you feel are the least important for Alexander when choosing
a job. (2 points)
3. List two pros and two cons of each job: (4 points)
Cincinnati, Ohio Little Rock, Arkansas
Pro Con Pro Con
4. How does the total numerical ranking help to clarify Alexander’s feelings about each choice?
5. 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