Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)
Choosing the right job is one of the most important decisions one can
make. Most of us not only spend more than half our lives at work, but how
well we get on in our jobs has a marked effect on the rest of our lives as
well. Dislike of one's job is a widespread cause of dissatisfaction and
frustration (Tolbert, 1984:2).
Two sorts of information are needed to choose a job: knowledge of oneself
and knowledge of the widest possible range of jobs. Knowledge about jobs
is the most critical part of the above statement which needs to be
considered here. Knowing little about any job reduces job choice to a
matter of luck rather than good judgement. The problem is that school
leavers in Gazankulu are disadvantaged in this respect, hence they mainly
choose careers which are in the public section such as teaching, police
and nursing (Educational Journal Gazankulu, 1990:20).
Our society considers it only natural that each member should enter the
labour force. From childhood onwards, we are often asked: "What do you
want to be one day?" We are always aware that it is necessary to focus on
at least an occupational field, if not a specific job area. Work is the
means of meeting needs in other areas of life. Awareness of work must
begin in childhood.
The child must be prepared to face all challenges in the future job
market. The school as an agent for change must implement career
counselling to help the child in self-understanding, self-acceptance,
development of human needs (physical intellectual, psychological and
spiritual), interest, aspirations and experiences. Through self-understanding
students can begin to appreciate and utilize their aptitudes,
interests, limitations and values (Sedibe, 1991:4).