Careers and career choices - Chapter 5

Question 1

What are decisions?

Answer 1

Resolutions to make up your mind about a choice after considering different options.

Question 1

What does it mean to commit?

Answer 1

To promise to do something; to work very hard to do something; to not give up.

Question 2

What are the key things you need to know before applying for a job?

Answer 2

1. That it is really what you want to do.
2. That you have information on all your options.
3. You have researched the job in detail so you know what qualifications and skills you need for it.

Question 3

What are the key things you need to know before applying to an HEI?

Answer 3

1. What courses suit your interests best.
2. Which HEI is the best in your field of study.
3. What are the fees?
4. HEI reputation.
5. Accomodation arrangements for the study period.

Question 4

How can you fund your studies at an HEI?

Answer 4

1. Your parents can help.
2. Student loan.
3. Bursary.
4. Learnership.
5. Scholarship.

Question 5

What is a bursary?

Answer 5

If you have high marks you could be allowed to study for free.

Question 6

What is a scholarship?

Answer 6

A company, business or municipality agrees to pay for your studies based on marks.

Question 7

What is a student loan?

Answer 7

A bank loans you the money and you have to pay it back later.

Question 8

What is a learnership?

Answer 8

You earn while you learn, usually for a trade.

Question 9

Once you have chosen your course and HEI, what should you do?

Answer 9

1. Figure out your funding.
2. Complete application forms.
3. Arrange accommodation and travel.

Question 10

What are SMART goals?

Answer 10

Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

Question 11

What should you do after you have set you SMART goals?

Answer 11

1. Make an action plan to achieve it.
2. Carry out your action plan.
3. Evaluate if you have achieved your goal or how far you still have to go.

Question 12

What is unemployment?

Answer 12

Being without a job, joblessness.

Question 13

What is a recession?

Answer 13

A downturn, slump or decline in the economy.

Question 14

Which age group suffers the most unemployment in South Africa?

Answer 14

15-35 year olds.

Question 15

What percentage of unemployed South Africans are between the ages of 18 and 25?

Answer 15

72,3%

Question 16

What type of unemployment is the biggest problem in South Africa?

Answer 16

Youth unemployment.

Question 17

What does it mean to retrench a worker?

Answer 17

Retrenchment happens when companies are forced to cut jobs to reduce costs in order to stay viable. The retrenched worker won’t be replaced.

Question 18

What are the main reasons for unemployment in South Africa?

Answer 18

Government corruption.
Economic recession.
Shortage of skilled labour.
Lack of education and skills.
Overpopulation.
Hostile political environment that does not encourage entrepreneurship and investment.
Lack of economic growth.

Question 19

Why is youth employment a problem?

Answer 19

Businesses prefer experienced workers.
Shortage of on the job training.
Loss of confidence in SA education system.
Oversaturation of the job market.

Question 20

List 5 effects of unemployment.

Answer 20

Poverty, hunger, homelessness, substance abuse, crime, child abuse, human trafficking, exploitation.

Question 21

What is an entrepreneur?

Answer 21

A person who sees the opportunity to start a business or offer a service.

Question 22

What are the risks of becoming an unemployed youth?

Answer 22

Depression, joining a gang, abuse substances, loss of hope, becoming unemployable.

Question 23

What is volunteering?

Answer 23

You give your time and skills to others without payment.

Question 24

What is a part time job?

Answer 24

You work a limited amount of hours each week to gain experience.

Question 25

What is community work?

Answer 25

You do something to benefit your community or a community in need.

Question 26

What are informal jobs?

Answer 26

They are short term jobs like washing cars or selling newspapers.

Question 27

How viable is entrepreneurship?

Answer 27

It is our best option to guarantee employment and income for ourselves. The government won’t do what is needed to provide jobs for everyone. We have to look after ourselves.

Question 28

What is income tax?

Answer 28

A portion of your salary that is taken by the government to pay for services and infrastructure. Income tax is compulsory.

Question 29

What is SARS?

Answer 29

The South African Revenue Service that collects all taxes.

Question 30

What is a tax threshold?

Answer 30

The level of income at which you begin to pay tax.

Question 31

What is non-compliance?

Answer 31

Not doing something that is officially or legally required.

Question 32

What is tax dodging?

Answer 32

Avoiding paying your taxes.

Question 33

What is corruption?

Answer 33

Dishonesty, misuse of public power and money for private benefit.

Question 34

What is fraud?

Answer 34

To swindle, scam, cheat or deceive.

Question 35

What is cronyism?

Answer 35

Favouritism shown to friends, regardless of their qualifications.

Question 36

Give 3 examples of corrupt behaviour.

Answer 36

Bribery, influence peddling, stealing public resources, nepotism, cronyism, favouritism, extortion.

Question 37

Who is most affected by corruption?

Answer 37

Poor people in our country who are denied grants and services because someone stole the funds.

Question 38

Which 4 entities are impacted by corruption?

Answer 38

Individuals, companies, communities and the country.