Values provide a source of energy, motivation and fulfillment in life, work and leisure. Values are gained through awareness of the emotional and cognitive responses given to situations confronted, issues raised, ideas created and experiences encountered. They are usually first instilled by our primary caregivers such as parents, grandparents and significant others who invest time into our lives. Values are neither right or wrong and change over a lifetime. They are the fuel of one's desire to achieve the highest level of meaning and purpose in life.
Values are a central factor in determining career satisfaction.
Interests, skills and personality preferences are also very important in the scope of career development. However, values provide the deepest level of satisfaction and stability in career choice. For example, one can choose a career based on skill and expertise and still experience significant boredom and eventual burnout. One can get along well with co-workers and enjoy how a career fits their personality yet still feel restless. One can even pursue an occupation matching interests and still yearn for something more.