I Have Worked Before Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Most young adults may not have formal work experiences yet, but they have done a lot of informal jobs.
Let’s see how much I actually have been working!
The purpose of this exercise is to focus on non-personal, non self-care related tasks that may have some traction for career development, an internship or informal/formal work assignment. Thus, focus on tasks that involve or benefit others (jobs, chores, favors, household expectations, etc.) and steer away from tasks that only benefit the individual (personal bathing, cleaning one’s own room, cooking one’s own food.) If the member generates only self-benefitting tasks, prompt to ask if they have ever done them with or for someone else. Focus on tasks the member has done multiple times as opposed to a one time experience, unless it is work related (went to work with a parent, worked at an event, special circumstances, etc.). Also note whether they did the activity alone ~ if done with someone, identify who was with them.
At Home
Many young adults are responsible for little and big jobs at home. Sometimes they are paid and sometimes they are simply expected because everyone has to do their share. Either way, they are all important – big or small, paid or unpaid!
(ideas: cleaning, taking out trash, recycling, babysitting a sibling, cooking meals, yard work, walking/feeding dog, putting together IKEA furniture, connecting printer, yard work, gardening, helping with house repairs, help with laundry, skimming leaves off of pool, etc.)
For each one listed, would you like to keep doing/do that job again?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
- Not sure
At School
Many classrooms have jobs that students do. Have you been responsible for any when you were a student?
(ideas: sharpening pencils, sorting/cleaning/neatening up, hall monitor, lunchroom tasks, handing things out, caring for classroom pet, shelving books, helping other students, reading to other students, etc.)
For each one listed, would you like to keep doing/do that job again?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
- Not sure
In My Young Adult Program
Young adults who are in programs, whether they are residential or day programs, often are assigned jobs. Have you done or are you doing any of these?
(ideas: cleaning, meal prep, helping staff – clarify what task is, keeping track of the schedule, shopping for groceries, helping with the computer or other tech stuff, giving reminders, etc.)
For each one listed, would you like to keep doing/do that job again?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
- Not sure
For Neighbors, Relatives or Family Friends
(ideas: pet sitting, yard work, babysitting, office work, helping with handyman/house repairs, odd jobs – clarify what specifically,
For each one listed, would you like to keep doing/do that job again?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
- Not sure
Special Events and Recreational Activities
(Special event ideas: Special Olympics, school events, religious or community events, fundraisers, holidays – family or community, celebrations/parties, etc.)
(Recreational activity ideas: lessons or classes, summer camps, etc.)
For each one listed, would you like to keep doing/do that job again?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
- Not sure
Formal Jobs
These are jobs where I had an interview, was hired, had a boss or supervisor, and/or got a paycheck.
For each one listed, would you like to keep doing/do that job again?
- Yes
- No
- Maybe
- Not sure