Is values fit really more important than salary?

In meta-analyses, values clash predicts voluntary turnover more reliably than salary dissatisfaction. Counter-offers rarely retain people who are leaving for values reasons — because the values gap does not close when the paycheck goes up.

Should I always optimise for values fit?

No — but the floor matters more than the ceiling. A role that scores 5/5 on your top value will not save you if it pays half your bills. But a role that pays 20% more while violating your top value typically ends in resignation within 18 months.

How do values and personality interact?

Personality predicts how well you will do the job; values predict whether you will stay in it. They are complementary, not substitutes — using both filters in a job search beats using either alone.

Sciencevalues-compass-mini Values Big Five

How Values Predict Career Fit Better Than Personality (Sometimes)

|May 27, 2026|7 min

Take the Values Compass Mini test3 min · 10 questionsStart

Ready when you are

Find your Values Compass Mini result in 3 minutes.

10 questions. Full result with strengths, blind spots, and careers matched to your type from a database of 2,500+ professions.

Take the Values Compass Mini test Not sure? Browse all 78tests →

← Back to all articles