In contemporary society there are many components necessary for life. Work is one of the essential parts of life. It is impossible for a person who does not need to work to experience the true meaning of life. Yet there are many factors that influence the type of job a person chooses. There have been many writings analyzing these factors. To Carlo. In L. Rowan's narrative essay “The Unforgettable Miss Bessie,” Rowan elaborates on the impact that race and education have on employment. Similarly, in the short story “Workers” written by Richard Rodriguez, the author also uses his personal experience to explain how class and education influence work. However, factors that influence employment are not just limited to race and education. In Gloria Steinem's essay, "The Importance of Work," Steinem explores the similarities and differences between men and women in the workplace, which creates the argument that gender is also an influential factor affecting employment. Education levels, racial differences and gender separation are the three main factors that play a role in people's occupational choices. Education is an important element that determines the jobs available to people. In contemporary society, better-paying jobs often require a certain level of education. Education becomes an essential factor in employment because many recruiters believe that education provides a platform through which people can explore their interests and knowledge. Education is also a way for people to acquire and practice critical thinking and analytical skills, which are necessary in professional development. In short, higher education is the key to unlocking people's career choices. Therefore, many jobs on the market require... middle of paper... strength in low-paying, low-status jobs. According to Nevia & Gutek research it states that if women were paid for their work, they would earn less than their male colleagues. According to data from the US Census Bureau, in 2012 women earned just 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. This male-female pay gap also acts as a limitation on women's employment opportunities. The job market today is very competitive. There are many factors that determine job opportunities. However, education, race, and gender are the three basic and most influential factors that have definitely limited people's career choices. The economy is fluctuating along with job growth. Race and gender are immutable. Education provides knowledge to people. These three factors should instead help people have better occupational choices, rather than limiting employment.