Part 2 & 3FREE
A Job You Would Like To Do
Cue card with sample answer · 6 discussion questions
Part 2 - Cue Card
What the job is, why you want it, whether you know someone who does it, will you actually pursue it
Vocabulary
work-life balancetime division between job and personal lifeburn outbecome exhausted from overworkpursue a career inwork towards a job in a specific fieldflexible hoursability to choose when to workmeaningful workjob that feels purposeful and importantclimb the ladderadvance to higher positions
Sample Answer
I'm seriously considering pursuing a career in data analytics or business intelligence consulting. Right now I'm studying BI at my college specifically because this field fascinates me. My uncle in Hanoi works in IT consulting, and when he visits, he tells me about solving real business problems using data—it's genuinely meaningful work. What attracts me most is the flexibility; consultants often have remote options and can manage their hours better, avoiding burnout. I know several professionals who balance demanding projects with personal time, which is rare. The financial prospects are strong, obviously, which matters to me as an international student with limited resources. I'm definitely going to pursue this after graduation—I'm already building skills through my degree and considering internships. What appeals is that I can help companies make smart decisions while maintaining work-life balance. Not everyone can climb the ladder without sacrificing health.
Part 3 - Work and Career Choices
Young Vietnamese increasingly avoid manufacturing and agricultural jobs, seeking office-based careers instead. Manual labor is perceived as low-status. Jobs with poor work-life balance—requiring excessive overtime without compensation—are rejected. Dangerous positions in construction appeal to few. Sales roles with high pressure and low job security are unpopular. Environmental or dangerous work repels younger generations who prioritize health. However, emerging tech and creative fields attract youth. The shift reflects changing values; young people now prioritize meaningful work and flexibility over pure income.
Both play different crucial roles. Parents understand financial realities and family expectations, offering practical guidance. Teachers provide objective perspective on abilities and market trends. Ideally, both collaborate. However, teachers better understand evolving job markets and emerging fields; parents sometimes push traditional careers that no longer exist. In my experience, parents worry about stability and income, which matters, but teachers help young people identify meaningful work aligned with strengths. Combined advice considering both financial security and personal fulfillment yields best outcomes.
No, increasingly it isn't. While financial security matters, especially for people supporting families, meaningful work and work-life balance are equally important. People who pursue careers purely for money often burn out, leading to health problems and reduced productivity. Research shows job satisfaction depends on autonomy, purpose, and relationships with colleagues. I'd pursue a career in BI partly for salary but primarily because it feels purposeful. However, I acknowledge that disadvantaged people must prioritize income for survival. Once basic needs are met, other factors become decisive in job satisfaction.
Yes, absolutely. The 'always-on' culture through emails and smartphones means people work beyond office hours. In competitive fields, taking full holiday is risky—colleagues might climb the ladder while you're gone. Companies demand more productivity with fewer staff. Burnout is epidemic, especially in tech and finance. However, some organizations increasingly recognize this unsustainability and implement strict policies protecting work-life balance. Younger generations are pushing back, valuing flexible hours over grinding culture. The pressure is real but perhaps gradually shifting as societies acknowledge health costs.
Poor work-life balance damages society broadly. Individuals burn out, reducing productivity paradoxically. Healthcare systems face increasing mental health crises and stress-related illnesses. Families suffer—children miss parents, relationships deteriorate. Creativity and innovation decline when people are exhausted. Talented workers leave fields, creating shortages. Crime and substance abuse increase under chronic stress. Economic productivity ultimately suffers despite longer hours. Communities weaken when people lack time for civic engagement. A society is strongest when people find meaningful work while maintaining personal wellbeing, time with families, and community participation.
Governments should legislate maximum working hours and mandatory holiday policies, as many European countries do effectively. Employers must hire adequate staff, eliminating overwork necessity. Flexible hours and remote work options reduce commute stress. Tax incentives should reward companies with strong wellness policies. Childcare support reduces parent stress. Mental health resources and counseling should be readily available. Burnout should be recognized as occupational illness deserving compensation. Promotion shouldn't require sacrificing personal life. Cultural change is critical—organizations must stop glorifying overwork. When governments and employers collaborate, work-life balance becomes achievable.