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Decision Making

Developed by Melinda Stanley

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worse thing you can do it nothing."

-Theodore Roosevelt

Complete four of the following five activities:

  1. In a one or two page paper, explain how decision making is connected to problem solving. Use the Decision Making and Problem Solving Quick Skills Manual (on file in the Career Connection Office) by South-Western Publishing for background reading on this activity.
  2. Read the following scenario then respond. To get a better job, you need to take courses in marketing and business at a local community college. Attending class and studying will take about 20 hours a week. Work will require 40 hours a week. Plan your week to fit in both school and work. Assume eight hours for sleep and another three hours for preparing and eating meals. Include time for shopping, cleaning, and other activities. Decide what you might have to give up to make time for college. Write about your choice.
  3. Jane wants to buy a car from a family friend who is selling it for $6,000. Jane earns $115 a week from her part-time job and has $2,500 as a down payment. The owner will let her pay the remainder over 18 months without interest. If you were Jane, would you decide to buy the car? Why or why not?
  4. Complete the Class Reunion form. Be realistic when answering the questions (i.e., no lottery millionaires).

    5. Class Reunion

    Mr(s)___________________'s class is holding a class reunion. This reunion will mark the tenth anniversary of the graduation of this class. The reunion is a chance for members to gather after ten years to talk about how they have changed, grown, and survived after high school. In order to prepare for the Reunion News , please complete the following questionnaire.

    Name

    Are you married? How long?

    How many children do you have? How many do you want?

    What is your occupation? What is your annual salary?

    Describe the important personal relationships in your life?

    What role do your parents play in your life?

    What do you value most that your parents have taught you?

    What is your financial situation?

    Are you currently in love?

    Has anyone you loved died yet?

    Are you dedicated to any "cause"?

    Do you have a mentor? Who was your mentor in high school?

    Where do you live? Describe the living arrangement.

    Do you attend any place of worship?

    What do you do for recreation and excitement?

    Complete the following:

    My hope for the future is :

    The three most important things that have happened since high school are :

    What I miss most about the "good old days" is :

    When I die, I hope they say of me :

    After you have answered the questions, develop an action plan to get you from where you are now to the place described by answering the questions above. In other words, how will you get there from here?

  5. Complete the Career Choices Budget in the Career Choices textbook and student workbook, pages 77-96. When you have completed the "Hard Times Budget," explain why you made the choices that you did to cut back on certain expenses.