Some communities are quick to seize opportunities while others avoid the risk and uncertainty of change. Environment shapes language. People develop a sense of the meaning of words from personal experience. Shared language is fundamental to any teaching. When most people think about going to work, they envisage working for an employer in exchange for money and fringe benefits.
Rural careers involve a wide range of non-market activities.
Distance career counselors must develop sensitivity to the differences between their own culturally-derived assumptions and those of their clients, and use language that the client finds meaningful. Each technology has strengths and weaknesses and the choice depends on the task, the availability of equipment, and the cost. Most clients use temporary sites fitted with portable equipment which has been shipped to host communities before the program begins. Each site has a microphone and speaker box which are linked to other sites, allowing participants to speak and listen to each other. The system ensures confidentiality, which is important to promoting free and open discussion of personal matters.