Does Your Job Spark Joy? | Healing Haven Outreach Services
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Does Your Job Spark Joy?
Work Values and Job Satisfaction Questionnaire
Developed by Monique Champagne, MA, LPC, BEI-IV, RID-Master
About This Assessment
This assessment will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. It is designed to help you reflect on your work values as a sign language interpreter and how they show up in your current experience.
You may find it helpful to complete this in a quiet space where you can focus and respond honestly. This is an opportunity to increase awareness of what matters most to you. For the most accurate results, answer based on your current work experience rather than what you think should be true.
The following questions were developed based on the research project, Qualitative Exploration of Work Values for Sign Language Interpreters (2020) by Monique Champagne. You may view the complete article in RID's Journal of Interpretation at:
The purpose of answering these questions is twofold:
Exploration of your own work values and meaningful work experiences
To help you develop personalized goals that align with your personal and professional needs and work values
Complete this assessment based on your current experience (in the last 6 months), and then come back to revisit it over time to reflect on past roles or explore how your values apply in different roles (e.g., teacher, manager).
Pause before you begin. Take a moment to reflect on your overall experience as a sign language interpreter before diving into specific work values. Think about the settings you've worked in, the roles you've taken on, the work that has felt meaningful, and the experiences that have felt difficult, unsustainable, or misaligned. This matters because your responses will be more useful when they are grounded in your real lived experience. Your answers can help highlight patterns, clarify what supports your wellbeing, and identify values that may be shaping your current career needs.
In other words, when have you felt most aligned and fulfilled in your work as an interpreter?
When have you felt stretched, drained, or disconnected?
In the following sections, you will explore each of the seven main work values:
Achievement, Autonomy, Altruism, Safety, Comfort, Status, and Relationships.
After answering each set of questions, you will see your score and personalized interpretation for that value.
Achievement is defined as feeling accomplished and using one's abilities. This includes developing your skills over time, receiving recognition for your work, and experiencing your role as a meaningful calling.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
It is important for me to feel accomplished at work (e.g., I like feeling like I have done a good job).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I enjoy using my skills and strengths in my interpreting work.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important for me to continue developing my interpreting skills over time.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value having a career path that feels unique or tailored to me.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I view my work as a professional calling (defined as using your skills to serve a purpose greater than yourself).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Achievement Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Recommendations
Recognize your professional growth. Consider how far you have come since you started.
Create specific, measurable goals for your interpreting practice and track your progress over time.
Track micro-moments of success by keeping a simple log of positive, neutral, and negative interactions.
Look for glimmers: small moments of satisfaction, connection, or skill rather than waiting for large milestones.
Use consumer and supervisor feedback as external data to evaluate whether you are meeting your own standards.
If you are nearing retirement or a career transition, consider what legacy you want to leave: supporting new interpreters, maintaining stability, or pursuing a specialty.
Autonomy is defined as the ability to be independent and creative at work and taking responsibility for the work you produce. This includes making decisions about your schedule, work environment, and how you approach your interpreting assignments.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
I value having the ability to complete my work independently.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I like working alone.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value being creative in my work (e.g., finding just the right word; using sign space accurately).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important for me to take ownership of my interpreting work, including my decisions and mistakes.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important to me to have control over my decisions (e.g., to be able to control my schedule, my tasks).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Autonomy Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Recommendations
Reflect on which work settings give you the most control over your schedule and assignments, and consider pursuing more of them.
Consider whether full-time, part-time, or freelance work best supports your need for independence.
Choose your workplace, coworkers, and assignment topics with intention. These choices are within your control.
Make small changes in your work environment and notice how they affect your satisfaction.
If you feel stuck due to rigid policies or micromanagement, explore whether community or freelance work could offer more flexibility.
Increasing autonomy is one of the strongest levers for improving job satisfaction. Prioritize it.
Altruism is defined as fostering harmony and being of service to others. This includes serving the Deaf community, empowering your consumers, and viewing your role as meaningful beyond your own personal gain.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
It is important to me to be of service to others.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value being of service to the Deaf community.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important to me to empower the Deaf consumers I work with.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value being of service to the interpreting community as a whole.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I view my work as a spiritual calling (defined as answering a call from a higher power).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Altruism Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Recommendations
Find meaningful ways to serve the Deaf and interpreting community, including mentoring, teaching, or pro-bono work.
Notice when your altruism may be leading to people-pleasing or boundary erosion, and practice saying no when needed.
Altruism fuels compassion satisfaction. Celebrate the moments when your service makes a real difference.
Without healthy boundaries, high altruism can lead to compassion fatigue. Build in regular time to process and restore.
Consider how you are using your privilege and position as an interpreter to advocate for your consumers' full participation.
If your altruism extends to spiritual motivation, explore how that calling can be honored without self-sacrifice.
Safety is defined as experiencing stability, order, and predictability at work. This can describe the physical work environment, the emotional climate, the people you work with, or the overall structure of your assignments.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
I prefer stability over variety in my work (e.g., in my schedule, in the topics I interpret).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important for me that my work is predictable (e.g., knowing what to expect on an assignment, predictable work schedule, familiar topics).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important to me to feel physically safe at work (as opposed to interpreting in potentially hazardous work environments).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value financial security in my work (e.g., it is important to be compensated for my work so that I can contribute to my household income).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I am flexible at work and navigate discomfort and challenges with ease.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Safety Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Safety and Comfort were found to be correlated among sign language interpreters. If you scored high in Safety, be sure to check your Comfort score as well.
Recommendations
Identify which aspects of your work environment support your sense of safety, and protect those conditions.
Variety, instability, and unpredictability are natural parts of interpreter work. Building internal coping tools can help you navigate this.
Focus on the aspects of your assignments and schedule that you can control in order to create a sense of predictability.
If you are regularly working in physically or emotionally unsafe environments, address this directly with your agency or supervisor.
Financial security is a legitimate work value. Ensure your compensation aligns with your needs and the demands of your role.
Comfort is defined as experiencing minimal levels of stress at work. This includes managing the physical and emotional demands of interpreting, being appropriately compensated, and having the tools to cope with the stressors inherent in your role.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
It is important to me to feel calm and peaceful at work.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
Being appropriately compensated for my work is of utmost importance.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important for me to feel physically comfortable at work (e.g., I prefer not to sit or stand for long periods; I prefer to work indoors).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I have the coping tools I need to navigate the stress inherent in my work as a sign language interpreter.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important to me to be able to anticipate stressors that might arise at work.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Comfort Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Recommendations
Build a personal coping toolkit for the demands of interpreting, including physical, emotional, and cognitive strategies.
Take regular time off and build recovery into your schedule, not just your vacations.
Develop a confidante (a trusted peer, supervisor, or therapist) with whom you can process difficult assignments confidentially.
Ensure your physical work environment is as comfortable as possible: ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, and breaks.
Consider accessing EAP services or professional therapy to strengthen your coping skills.
Monitor your compensation relative to the demands of your role. If there is a mismatch, advocate for adjustment.
Status is defined as achieving recognition and advancement. This includes your professional qualifications, your reputation in the Deaf and interpreting communities, and the way your personal demographics and personality shape your experience in the field.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
It is important to me to feel seen and recognized for the work I do.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important that my diverse perspective is appreciated.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I feel like my personality type is a good fit for being a sign language interpreter.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I feel like my personal demographics are an asset to the field of interpreting (e.g., age, race, gender/gender expression, CODA).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value having a good reputation in the Deaf and interpreting communities.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Status Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Recommendations
Reflect on how your identity factors, such as demographics, personality, and certification level, shape your day-to-day experience.
If your personality is more concrete and stability-oriented, a full-time position may be the best fit. If you are more free-spirited, freelance work may align better.
Seek communities that recognize and honor your full identity as an interpreter.
If you are experiencing discrimination or feeling underrecognized, name it and take steps to address it with your supervisor, professional organizations, or a trusted mentor.
Mastery is the ultimate status. It cannot be bought, rushed, or inherited; it can only be earned through sustained commitment to your craft.
Consider taking a brief personality assessment (such as the MBTI) to increase self-awareness about how you show up in your work.
Relationships are defined as feeling supported and empowered by others, including peers, supervisors, mentors, and community members, as well as supporting and empowering others in return.
For each statement below, choose the answer that best fits your current experience on a scale from 1 (I don't agree) to 7 (I definitely agree).
It is important to me to develop professional relationships with my colleagues.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
It is important to me to develop professional relationships with my supervisors.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value the collaborative relationships I develop with Deaf consumers.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value the collaborative relationships I develop with hearing consumers.
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
I value balancing my role as an interpreter with roles I play in my personal life (e.g., parent, sibling, friend).
I don't agree with this statement
I definitely agree with this statement
--
Relationships Score
A higher score (max 35) indicates this value holds greater priority for you.
Answer all questions above to see your interpretation.
Relationships emerged as an especially important work value for sign language interpreters in the research. If this is a high-scoring value for you, pay close attention to the interpretation and recommendations.
Recommendations
Invest in mentorship, both as a mentee and, when ready, as a mentor to others entering the field.
Find ways to connect with and serve the Deaf and interpreting communities in meaningful ways beyond your direct work.
Research shows that when interpreters perceive their organizations as supportive, they experience lower levels of vicarious trauma. Seek supportive environments.
Maintain your personal relationships outside of interpreting. Work-life balance is deeply tied to the health of all your connections.
Consider taking on additional roles (educator, community volunteer, professional organization member) that expand your relational network.
Notice when the relational demands of interpreting are depleting you, and build in recovery time.
Take a moment to review your scores. Notice where you feel aligned and where there may be tension.
Now that you have explored your work values, what is one meaningful change you want to make in your work environment or approach to your work? What specific, realistic steps can you take to move toward that change? As you reflect, review the interpretations and recommendations in each section above for ideas and support.
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This assessment was developed based on research by Monique Champagne, MA, LPC, BEI-IV, RID-Master (2020).