A study examined the factors that influence lower-income women's career decision making and planning. The 24 women interviewed included African American, white, and Hispanic American women ages 20-60 years or older. The women were employed in a variety of industries. All were college graduates, and none earned more than $24,000 annually. Most respondents had established some career goals. Social networks played an important role in their choice of career. The women's job experiences did not inspire them to develop career goals. They received assistance from institutions, primarily in developing soft skills and finding employment. They worked extremely hard at finding employment. Of necessity, the women weighed other job selection criteria over their own satisfaction and long-term career development. Despite perceiving the need for further education, they postponed investing in education and other career-building strategies to shoulder caregiving responsibilities. The study recommendations were as follows: (1) create and use career development tools promoting a career asset-building perspective for lower-income women; (2) implement practices promoting a career asset-building framework for lower-income women who are seeking employment; and (3) adopt policies promoting a career asset-building perspective for lower-income women. (A profile of the interview respondents, the interview guide, and facts about low-wage working women are appended.) (MN)