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About This Quiz
Obnoxious bosses. Co-workers that microwave the stinkiest food. Outdated computer equipment and software, as well as thermostats that freeze you in the midst of summer. We could go on and on. But we want to hear from you about what you dislike about your job. After you answer the questions on this quiz, we hope you'll be pleasantly surprised by the job that best matches your employment desires. Â
Be aware, this position will be unusual. It could be a job like a presidential poison taster, a snake milker or a professional bridesmaid. Ever think about writing fortune cookie sayings or scuba diving for golf balls? Why be in a ho-hum job when there are so many fun and unusual jobs out there from which to choose? And, if you don't know about them, how can you become a bed tester (you are paid to sleep at work) or a face feeler (for new facial products)?
Think about it - if you would be unhappy in your current job even with a raise or promotion, then you need to take this quiz today. It will get you thinking about how to tailor-make a job that will keep you happy from 9 to 5.Â
How do you feel about cubicles?
I hate enclosed areas. I want to break down the walls.
It's so isolating. No one can see me, so I have to walk around to socialize.
Perfect. With headsets I can silence my too-loud co-workers.
I'm not fond of it, but I'm used to working in them.
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Free lunch if you go to the "lunch and learn." How do you feel about it?
I'm not going. I hate being compelled to do anything.
Sure, I'm in. I'll ask a intelligent question and show what a valuable asset I am.
Do I have to go? I'd rather not.
If it's important to know, I'm there. And free food!
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Your co-workers bring donuts again. What's your response?
How about something healthy for once?
I need to look good, and they keep bringing fattening foods. Grr.
Sure, I'll grab one, then back to the office.
Yum. I hope they got it from the expensive bakery.
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How do you feel about managing people?
Yuck. More responsibility.
I like having people look up to me.
I'd rather be responsible for my own performance. Not others.
It's important to have management experience.
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Company parties. What are your thoughts on that?
Why can't it be an active event, not sitting around and having dinner?
It's where I shine. I love parties.
Ugh. I don't want to go.
I just think of it as part of the job.
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Your company sponsors team events (softball team, bowling team). Do you partake?
Absolutely. Finally something more physically active than sitting at a desk!
Sure, why not? I like to socialize.
No thanks.
It shows company spirit. I'm in.
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How good are you at brown-nosing the boss?
I'm nice to everyone. So if you call it brown-nosing, then fine.
I'm great at it.
I suck at it.
I might treat the boss very respectfully, due to his position, but I wouldn't call it brown-nosing.
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You just found out you need to go on a team-building retreat. What do you do?
Ask about the activities.
Clear my calendar for that day.
Start planting the idea that I'm getting very sick so it won't be surprising when I have the "flu" and don't show up.
Go to it, of course - it's required.
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How do you feel about your co-workers?
They're boring. But I'm friendly towards them.
They're fun. I'm friends with everyone.
I wish they would just leave me alone. I'm tired of the constant bickering.
I get involved in my co-workers' lives to a point. I like keeping it a professional relationship.
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Do you feel compelled to bring back gifts/snacks from your vacation for your co-workers?
Sure, I want them to ask me about my adventures.
Absolutely, I think it's a generous thing to do.
No, why would I?
I always bring back my favorite food/snack.
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Performance reviews can be stressful. How do you feel about them?
I'm ready to take this job and shove it, so I don't really care.
I usually have excellent reviews, so I look forward to it.
I dread it. I don't like hearing how I can improve.
I appreciate the feedback.
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Layoffs are always stressful. How do you deal with it?
It would probably be good if I was laid off. This isn't my real passion anyway.
I am on top of all the rumors, you know, about who is being laid off next.
I just bury my head and hope they overlook me.
I talk to my supervisor directly to get a good feel of what's going on.
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Do you get along well with your bosses (former and present)?
I like being on my own, so there's not usually a boss I like, even though many are nice people.
Yes, I make sure in the interview that I get along great with my bosses.
If they leave me alone, we get along great.
Yes, I make sure I get along with my bosses, whether I like them or not.
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Growth opportunities at a company - are they important to you?
It depends on the company and the position.
Yes, I always want to move forward in my career.
No. I know what I'm good at, and I'm not looking for different responsibility.
I need my paycheck to grow, so I guess I need to look for growth opportunities.
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What's best for you, a relaxed culture or a professional culture?
Relaxed
More professional than relaxed
A little bit of both
Professional
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Chili cook off, holiday bake off - do you participate?
Sure, something fun. I'm game to make stuff.
My recipes always put me in the top three.
I'll taste everyone's food, but not bring my own.
I organize it and taste everything.
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When the client says they'll take you out for lunch, where do you go?
Wherever the client wants. I'm easy.
I like to pick out a nice, expensive restaurant.
Is it just me, alone? I'd rather go in a group.
I always use the occasion to try some new or exotic restaurant.
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Are the company's history and stability important to you?
No. With the economy the way it is, layoffs could happen at any time, at any company.
It's nice to have, but not a necessity.
Yes, I want a stable company. I don't like change all that much.
The history of the company is important to me. I like to be proud of the company I work for.
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Are educational opportunities important for you at your job?
It's nice to know it's there, but I probably won't pursue the opportunity.
I feel like the seminars we go to are enough. It's not necessary to offer advanced degrees.
I like learning, yes. Furthering my education is something I want and look for in a job.
It's important that they offer this in the benefits, and it's something I will eventually use.
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Transnational opportunities are a perk for large corporations. Is that important to you?
I would love to go somewhere exotic. Yes!
If I'm going to have to learn a new language, then no.
No, I'm fine where I am, in the good ol' U.S.A.
Absolutely. The ability to immerse myself in new cultures is exciting.
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Salary is always a dicey issue. Do you make enough for your job category?
Not really, but until something better comes along, I'll sit tight.
Yes, but I'm always looking for ways to get a promotion.
I guess it's fine as is.
No, I should get more money. I'm always putting myself out there.
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How do you feel about the benefits at your company?
I would like more vacation days.
I would like benefits to include massages and homeopathic therapies.
They are standard. It's fine.
I would like to be able to see my personal physicians, and not just those approved by the plan.
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Where do you go for your coffee break?
I like to get out for some fresh air.
I head to the cafeteria or local coffee shop with co-workers.
I grab a coffee and drink it at my desk.
I make sure my coffee break is a special event, with espresso, foam and added flavors.
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Do you have work/life balance?
No, I need more of a life.
Yes, I work hard and play hard equally.
Yes. I'm not usually asked to work overtime.
No, but that's okay. I work many long hours, due to my management level.
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The number of passwords needed can be mind-numbing. How do you feel about it?
I don't care about security. I use the same one all the time.
I hate it, but I have notes that keep track of them.
I am always forgetting mine and have to reset them all the time.
It's annoying, but it's for the security of me and my company.
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It's a brainstorming day for new projects. What do you do?
I go. I like coming up with ideas on the spot.
I'm not great at this, but I show up.
If you give me a heads-up, I'll brainstorm by myself and write down a couple of ideas to bring to the meeting.
I may not come up with any ideas, but I might come up with a modification of an idea.
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Rules on a clean desktop - how do you respond to that?
I just throw whatever's on my desk into the nearest drawer. Now I have a messy drawer.
I am always organized, so it's normally clean.
I am always about to leave when I remember that stupid rule and fix up my desk.
I might have to brush off crumbs because I was eating at my desk, but otherwise, it's pretty clean.
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Do you feed on the energy in a busy office?
Yes, absolutely
Half and half. If I'm working on something important or due immediately, I need quiet.
No, I like a quiet office.
I like the energy, but not when it gets too rowdy.
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Do you decorate your cube or office?
Yes, with outdoorsy pictures
Yes, with bold colors and fun knickknacks
No, this isn't my home. I decorate my home.
Pictures of family are always on my desk, as well as a few conversational items I've collected.
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The smells of other people microwaving their lunches - your opinion?
I'm interested in what someone else made and will ask them.
I think it's polite not to bring food that may smell when cooked.
Phew
It always makes me hungry!
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You Got:
