5 Things To Consider When Looking For Your Next Job
Even though, times may look tough, you’re saying to yourself, “I want to change jobs”. Some of your best friends might respond, “You have gone crazy, haven’t you? You want to change jobs in this environment, are you on drugs?” So, you really want to change jobs, advance your career, or change careers and yes, you even have the perfect job in mind. Although it is nice to dream, it is important that you keep it real. It won’t be a cakewalk, but it’s definitely possible. So take a deep breath, and identify five things that you want to consider when looking for your next new job.
1. You will obviously be looking for a position that is long term, or more 2 years. Otherwise, just go and get a part-time job is your goal is to do something for less than 12 months. Long-term positions are perfect if you want to quit your current, hopefully stable job. They are also necessary if you require your income to help financially support your family. You may need to have and possibly want to have income not only right away, but income that you can depend on for the months or years to come. That being the case, temporary positions just wouldn’t work in your career portfolio or your wallet. A short-term job of only a few months won’t provide you the security you need and want.
2. You may be seeking a position where there is opportunity to advance, and you will want to consider the growth opportunities of the company. If you are a goal-oriented individual, who strives to meet those goals, such as higher pay or a position in management, you may want to work for a company where you have the opportunity to advance. A great company would be one that advertises that they regularly promote from within. Options of promotion from within will give you a better chance of advancing within the organization. In fact, potential employers like to hear that you desire advancement opportunities, so be sure to mention your hope for advancement in your job interviews. Nobody wants to hire a dud, a rotten log. Every employer wants to believe they’ve hired a stud, regardless of the position.
3. Great, but realistic pay is a variable you should consider in your next job. No short sells here, just because you really want or need a job. Have you ever taken a job, way below your financial need with the idea that once you got in, you would be able to get more money? Then when the money numbers didn’t add up, you became a disgruntled closet employee? Unless you are absolutely sure you can make your money ends meet, try to refrain from giving yourself a pay cut. If the position is offering benefits that you don’t currently have, and the trade of is in your favor, then a pay cut may be worth it, but do the math. Otherwise, you will be upset when you realize you sold yourself short. Okay. In fact even before you begin your job search, create a budget for yourself. A budget will help you identify exactly hoe much money you need to make. This will ensure that you are excited about your new job, and you can adequately take care of your family and pay your bills.
4. Health insurance is a huge benefit when you have it and a huge financial burden when you don’t. Although it might not be necessary, if you are covered under someone else’s plan, you should keep health insurance in the forefront of your mind. Not every employer provides health insurance coverage to their employees and many companies have a waiting period for eligibility as well as restrictions for pre-existing conditions. If you are unable to get health insurance through a family member, such as your spouse, you may want to extend your current coverage, for a fee of course. This too has time limitations and other restrictions.
5. The location of the new job is another caveat that you want to consider. If you are willing to travel or relocate, then proximity won’t matter. Jobs that require you to commute, may either take more time. Sometimes the trade off is determined by whether you take public transportation, such as a train, or bus or whether you drive in a crazy maze of roads. A big factor as well is how much time you will be away from your family. Now if you don’t like them it’s a blessing. Okay, only kidding. If the location of the job requires you to drive daily, consider the cost of gasoline and wear on your vehicle. Your new employer isn’t going to maintain your car for you.
Although location is important, there are factors that are more important, a few of which are outlined above.
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