What Are VISAs in Career Decision-Making?
Choosing a job is different from building a career. A job may be something that pays the bills and provides structure, while a career is a long-term pursuit that aligns with who you are and what truly fulfills you. Using a framework can help you with career-decision making.
The VISAs framework—Values, Interests, Skills, and Abilities—helps individuals evaluate career choices based on four key factors:
- Values: What matters most to you in work and life?
- Interests: What do you genuinely enjoy doing?
- Skills: What have you learned and developed?
- Abilities: What comes naturally to you?
When all four elements align, you’re more likely to find a career that is both fulfilling and sustainable. However, in some cases, people may prioritize just having a job that meets their immediate needs, which is completely valid. Understanding where you stand within this framework can help you make informed career decisions at any stage of life.
The Difference Between a Job and a Career
Not every job needs to be your passion, and not every career starts as a perfect fit. Sometimes, a job is simply a stepping stone toward long-term career growth.
- A job: Provides financial security, stability, and structure but may not align with your personal values or interests.
- A career: Aligns with your long-term vision, growth potential, and personal fulfillment.
Using the VISAs framework, you can evaluate whether a role is just a paycheck or a meaningful career path—and understand that **both are valid choices depending on your current needs.**
Breaking Down VISAs: How Each Element Impacts Career Choice
1️⃣ Values: What Drives You?
Values are the **core principles** that guide your decisions. These can include:
- 💰 Financial stability
- ⚖️ Work-life balance
- 🌍 Making a social impact
- 📚 Lifelong learning and growth
- 👥 Collaboration and teamwork
Understanding your values helps you determine if a company’s culture, mission, and expectations align with what’s important to you.
2️⃣ Interests: What Do You Enjoy Doing?
Your interests reflect what excites and motivates you. Ask yourself:
- What topics or industries do I naturally explore?
- What tasks make me lose track of time?
- Do I enjoy working with people, data, or creative ideas?
If a job aligns with your interests, you’re more likely to stay engaged and find long-term satisfaction.
3️⃣ Skills: What Have You Learned?
Skills are the competencies you’ve developed through education, work, or experience. Some can be transferable (communication, project management) while others are industry-specific (coding, graphic design).
Some people build careers based on their strongest skills, while others learn new skills to move into a field that better aligns with their values and interests.
4️⃣ Abilities: What Comes Naturally?
Abilities are your **natural strengths**, which may not always match your learned skills. These could include:
- Problem-solving
- Creativity
- Leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Empathy and communication
Recognizing your abilities can help you understand what type of work comes easily to you and where you have **natural potential for success.**
Applying the VISAs Framework to Your Career Decisions
✅ 1. Assess Where You Currently Stand
List out your values, interests, skills, and abilities. Identify which are most important to you and where you may have gaps.
✅ 2. Decide What You Need Most Right Now
Are you looking for a career that aligns with your values and interests, or do you need a stable job that provides financial security? Sometimes, **getting a job that meets your immediate needs is the priority**, while working toward a long-term career goal.
✅ 3. Look for Alignment, But Accept Trade-Offs
Few jobs will perfectly align with all four categories. If you have three out of four—such as a role that fits your skills, abilities, and values but isn’t your biggest interest—it may still be a great career choice.
✅ 4. Develop Skills to Transition to a Better Fit
If your current job doesn’t align with your long-term goals, focus on building skills and experiences that can help you move toward a better career match.
Final Thoughts: Careers Are Built Over Time
Understanding VISAs (Values, Interests, Skills, and Abilities) can help you career decision making that align with both short-term needs and long-term goals. Sometimes, a job is just a paycheck, and that’s okay. Other times, a career is built by finding meaningful work that aligns with who you are.
By using this framework, you can make intentional choices about where to invest your time and energy—whether that means finding a job that provides stability or building a career that fulfills you.
📞 Need help finding career clarity? Contact us for career coaching today!
