The Shearon Work Suitability Scale
Basically the SWSS divides all work into four distinct levels, based on the subjective viewpoint of the person using it. A certain job could be at different levels in the scale at different times.
Level 1 work is done solely for money. It provides no other benefit and should be given up and replaced with a higher level of work as soon as financial situation allows.
Level 2 work provides not only money, but also growth. This growth can be in the form of learning new skills or getting better at existing ones. It can also provide contacts or exposure.
Level 3 work is like Level 2, but is also inherently enjoyable.
Level 4 work is work that you would choose to do even if it were unpaid or you didn’t need the money.
The scale is very simple to use. Basically consider all the work you do, both jobs and tasks/projects within jobs. Where are they on the scale?
Your goal is to move up the scale. Higher level work is more satisfying, more useful, and probably more valuable than lower level work.
When I started working, all my jobs were at Level 1 (wedding priest) and Level 2 (ALT, part-time eikaiwa). Over time I have been fortunate enough to move up, and now I would say that almost everything I do is Level 3 or Level 4.
The scale is useful when thinking about taking on new jobs or projects, and can help you compare options more clearly.
How about you? Where is your work on the SWSS?
I’d actually count my ALT years as level 3 on this scale. Provided me money to pay off student loans, I learnt new a tonne of new skills and developed as a person, plus I found the majority of it very enjoyable.
Hi Richard
I think for me, while I didn’t hate being an ALT, I didn’t have enough knowledge/skill/experience to really enjoy it, and certainly didn’t have the autonomy/freedom I find really important now.
For me, being an ALT overall was at level 2, but it laid the foundation for growing into level 3 (and 4!) work. After all, that is the purpose of level 2 work 🙂
I don’t think it’s very likely that people can jump straight to level 3 work without doing their time first, unless they are very lucky or incredibly talented (of which I am, sadly, neither).
Back in the day, I would give ALT work a Level 2. I used it to live in Japan and learn the language/culture. Now my jobs are somewhere between 3 and 4. They are creative and socially rewarding, or at least provide opportunities for growth. I consider myself lucky in that respect, but I would love to be paid more. Who wouldn’t? But it is a living, and not a bad one.