QUICK CHECK:
1. a) Instead of many teachers at school, what happens at work?  b) Inste
ad of summers off at 
  school, what happens at work?  c) Instead of many evaluations, what hap
pens at work?
2.  a) Instead of perfect grades at school what happens at work?  b) Inste
ad of teachers telling what 
  task to do, what happens at work?  c) Instead starting fresh with new t
eacher, what happens at work?
3.  a) Instead of short hours and breaks, what happens at work?  b) Instea
d of several subjects studied for 
same amount of time at school, what happens at work?  c) Instead of stu
dents responsible for grades 
only, what happens at work?  d) Instead of new skills learned by student ch
oice, what happens at work?
4.  a) Instead of repeating a failed class, what may happen at work?  b) I
nstead of living close to school, 
what may happen for work?  c) Instead of being treated with respect, wh
at may happen at work?
5.  a) Instead of being legally required to be accepted, what may happen at
 work?  
6.  Look at the "This is what happens at work" list.  a) Write down 3 things that you think will like about 
work.  b) Write down 3 things that you think you will not like about work.  c) Which do you think is 
harder to do -- school or work?  d) Give a reason for your answer.
This is what happens at school . . .  
 This is what happens at work . . . 
Many teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. . . . . .   One boss
Summers off; long holiday breaks off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  One or two weeks vacation yearly; few holidays
Surrounded by students your age group  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Surrounded by workers of all ages; mainly older
Many evaluations (quizzes, exams, report cards) . . . . . . . .  Semi-annual (6 months) or yearly review only
Yearly promotion (grade level change; junior to senior)  . .  Promotions are hard to earn; not given often
Can get perfect grades (100% on test)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  Nothing is perfect (can always do better)
School rarely changes technology/computers . . . . . . . . . . .  Companies often change technology/computers
Teachers tells what task to do and when to do it  . . . . . .  May be told or may need to figure it out yourself 
Can start fresh with a new teacher every term  . . . . . . . . . .  Keep the same boss for years
Short hours for school days with breaks between classes. .  8 hour work days with few rest breaks
Several subjects studied for same amount of time  . . . . . . .  Unpleasant tasks take more time than pleasant
Student only responsible for his or her grades  . . . . . . . . . .  Worker responsible for success of business
Students do not take school seriously since not paid  . . . . .  Workers must take work seriously; get paid
New skills learned by student's choice of classes taken . . .  New skills must be learned by employer demand
Student may fail a class, then repeat it . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Workers who fail may get fired
Teachers organize work flow and deadlines . . . . . . . . . . . .  Workers responsible to organize/complete tasks
School is near student's home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
. .  Job site may require long drive each day
Teachers are required to treat students with respect . . . . . .  Employers under stress may lose their tempers
Schools are required by law to accept you as a student  . . .  Employers not required to hire you or keep you	
School Compared to Work
U.S. Work World
CAREER mini-lesson
College & Career Publishing. Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.