One aspect of job success is personal purpose. A job does not have to be well known or pay big bucks to fulfill the worker's sense of personal purpose or satisfaction. The individual who is a school crossing guard, for example, does not have a high-profile position (except to the children and families who benefit from her services). She certainly does not earn a large salary.

Her personal purpose may be enough for her to continue with this job if she enjoys children. She understands the importance of her role in society by helping children safely cross the street on the way to their destinations.

Your child will develop her own concept of personal purpose based on several factors. Especially at the beginning of her work life, she will look to you for input on what jobs are meaningful and serve a purpose in society, and what jobs you might find trivial.

Although she may not verbally ask for your input, she will be watching to see your response. The individual whose family is positive and supportive about her work in the mall food court will maintain the same positive attitude and healthy self-concept. In the long run, she will develop her own thinking about jobs. If the job fits her aptitude and interests as well as her abilities, she will find it fulfilling.