Decision Cards Handout
John is a factory worker at a local metal fabricating plant. He has heard rumors that the company might be letting some employees go in a year to offset losses related to the economy. He has been thinking about going back to school to get his GED, but that means he’ll have to go to school 2 nights a week for 3 hours. He also works a second job three nights a week to help with family expenses. If he goes to class and keeps his second job he will only see his family on the weekends. John also needs to learn how to fill out a job application and write a resume. What should he do? / James has plans to go to a concert tonight to hear his favorite group. On his way out the door his boss from his second job calls. She says they are really busy and she needs James to work tonight until they close at 9:00. She implies that he may lose his job if he doesn’t agree. James is saving money from his job to visit his girlfriend who recently moved to New York. What should James do?Valerie just received her GED. She and a few of her friends have saved all year to celebrate their GED graduation. They have planed a trip to Florida to visit a friend who moved there last year. They have scheduled many fun things to do the long weekend they will be there. The only problem is that Valerie applied for a job at a great local business. They have told her she will be hired if she can start the day they planned to leave on their trip. Valerie knows the job would be a great opportunity for her. / Julia is a single woman with grown children. She needs to decide if she should stay in her current small apartment or move to a larger one across town. The new apartment would be closer to her job, but will cost more per month than she pays now. Julie enjoys have her children and grandchildren come for visits but because she is also expanding her home business she is worried that she will not have enough room for visitors. Julia loves her current neighborhood but also would like to have a shorter distance to drive to work. Should she move or not?
Jose and his wife Celina own two family cars. One is paid off and they make monthly payments on the other. They both have to drive to work to different neighboring towns. Jose enjoys working on cars and is good at fixing most car problems. Jose spotted a really nice Camaro at the local dealer on his way to work this week. He is thinking about buying the car but will have to take out a bank loan. The car he drives now is pretty reliable but doesn’t look as good as the Camaro or run as fast. But Jose wouldn’t have to spend time fixing repairs like he does now on his old car. Jose and Celina are also saving up for a down payment on a house. What should Jose do? / Chris has been employed as a welder at a local company for ten years. He started working there when he was 16 right after he dropped out of high school. In the past ten years Chris has only received 3 raises. He enjoys his job but wishes he could earn more money. He is afraid to look for a job because he doesn’t have his high school diploma, can’t fill out a job application very well, and doesn’t know how to write a resume. Most of his friends who stayed in school are now making at least twice the salary that Chris is making. He is frustrated with his job situation. What should Chris do?