Practice English expressions and academic vocabulary words from an interview about searching for the perfect job!

Does the perfect job exist?

The idea that finding the “perfect job” that will give your life meaning and make it complete has been around for the past few decades. Simone Stolzoff studies this topic, and through his research, he has found that there can be negative consequences of making work the most important aspect of our identities. In addition, he contrasts how jobs were viewed in the past with how they are seen today. First, let’s practice the vocabulary words, and then we will look examples from his interview.

First, read through the vocabulary words:

Study Tip! Tap or scroll over the list below to see the definitions.

1. a means to an end
2. settle
3. noble
4. pep talk
5. revere
6. vocation
7. heed
8. neglect
9. disappointment

Now, look at how Simone Stolzoff uses these vocabulary words in an interview about finding the perfect job.

Read through the sentences. Do you agree or disagree?

1. “…We often think of our jobs not just as a means to an end, but as a deep reflection of who we are.”
2. “There’s this narrative that we should keep searching and never settle. And if your job isn’t perfect, then there’s something wrong and you should keep looking for a new one.”
3. “He said, some people love what they do, and other people do what they have to do so that they can do what they love when they’re not working and neither is more noble.”
4. “We love to revere people whose identities and their jobs neatly aligned. But I think Anissa’s wisdom was telling me that the other side of the equation, treating a job as a means to an end is no less noble.”
5. “Being the young naive college student that I was, I sort of did not heed his advice and spent my entire twenties looking for that vocational soulmate, looking for that job that would help me self-actualize.”
6. “And so I think a lot of people among my peer group have been searching for work as a means of self-actualization as a way to make themselves whole and looking for a vocational soulmate that can deliver on that promise. And I think it actually sets us up for a lot of disappointment.”

What do you think?

1. Do you view work as a means to an end, or do you see it as more of a noble calling? Explain your reasons.
2. Would you settle for a satisfactory job where you made enough money to do the things you wanted, or would you prefer to go after your dream job?
3. Have you ever been disappointed in not getting a job you applied for or something that you went after? How did that event change your future actions or perspective?
4. What are some ways that you have created a good work/life or school/life balance? Are there any aspects of your personal life that you have neglected in order to work or study more?
5. Who is a person you revere? Is there anyone you revere or see as a role model or mentor in your school, career field, or business world? Explain.

Got it? Now practice the vocabulary words in context below.

Quiz Maker – powered by Riddle

You did it! You learned new words today! Keep up the good work!

Come back to “www.gorealia.com” every week to practice English and listen to stories that inspire!

Improve your listening skills and hear the vocabulary words used in context. Listen to the full podcast about finding the perfect job here.

Do you think the perfect job exists? Keep practicing English and learn even more new words by joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts with learners from around the world.

Practice giving advice while looking at examples from the interview about finding the perfect job. Then take a quiz to check your understand.

Try the complete practice with everything included. Let us take you through the listening, vocabulary, grammar, and joining in the conversation. Here, all English skills are integrated with a real topic! You’ve got this!

Sources

Dr. Laurie Santos, host. “Stop Looking for the Perfect Job – a “Good Enough Job” is Just Fine.” The Happiness Lab, Pushkin, 22 Jan. 2023,

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stop-looking-for-the-perfect-job-a-good-enough-job/id1474245040?i=1000595961715