External work values, or extrinsic, are the real tangible rewards you get from the job itself: the paycheck, the vacation time, benefits, autonomy, and so forth. These rewards often include things like the ability to set your own schedule and pay that feels good for what you do, as well as sufficient time away from work. For example, I work with a lot of people fleeing the nonprofit world because, although they loved the cause and the people, they began to feel overworked and undervalued. Even people who identify things like salary and benefits as secondary concerns can start to burn out if they are underpaid and feel unable to take vacations when and where they want.
If your extrinsic values aren’t being met, you may feel some satisfaction and fulfillment in the job, but also financial unease, and the sensation of frustration around growth and promotions.
