Things to Consider Before Changing Jobs
There is always a unique time in anyone’s life when you just want to change your job and go for something better or peaceful. A job change is one of the most critical decisions that can positively or negatively affect one’s life. It’s a decision that you do not need to rush; you have to settle down and ask many questions before taking the first step.
Sometimes, we look for a change in our job because of so many reasons for our current position. It could be that a prospective employer is offering something better with salary or big bonuses and there are a lot of things you need to do with money. It could also be that you are not improving based on education or skills, or maybe you just want your peace. Whatever reason you may have that you are considering changing jobs, you should keep reading to get tips on making that decision. Getting a new job can be a bit tricky as we could be in a rush to get something new, which in such a case might not be such a good idea.
It’s always ideal that you are thorough with all your homework, ask many questions, compare your decisions, form a checklist of what you want and what you are being offered. Before you make that decision, here are some of the things to consider and examine well.
Evaluate your Reasons
The first thing to check is the reason why you have decided to leave your job. Are you leaving your job because you got a better offer? Or are you leaving because you are running from a frustrating and tiring one? Write a list of the reasons you have decided to leave your present job, and you have to be sure that your reason for leaving is significant enough. You also need to have a considerable motive to accept the new job rather than stay at the old one. Leaving your present job is not a bad idea, just be sure that the new job you are thinking about is not the first option you would want to settle for. In essence, before you jump into making that decision, you should think through the reason you are leaving and if you are going to get a solution at the new intended job.
Expectations
Another vital thing to do is sit down and carefully evaluate your priorities; what is the most important thing for you right now? Do you think your pay package is the most important thing right now? Are you ready to let the increased payment go for more relaxed, bigger, and corporate culture opportunities? Ask yourself these questions, make a detailed list of pros and cons, and decide if the job at hand is better than the opportunity you think you have.
Environment
While planning to make the big move, you should also check out the workplace. Think about it, check the place and see how it looks, how they interact there, measure the professional atmosphere, and see if you will fit in there and be productive. Another reason you should visit or think about the work environment is to ensure that the environment is collaborative enough to grow and sharpen your skills better. Figure out if the new job will challenge you and if the company is worth leaving your present job for.
Balance
It is vital to move to something better when you feel choked at your present job, but before saying yes to this new opportunity, you should enquire about the new company’s ethics, the number of hours per day, etc. You should also try to measure the new employer’s expectations; are you supposed to work during the weekends? Are you expected to reply to text messages or emails after work hours or even during the holidays?
Will your new job be more time-consuming, frustrating, or even expensive than the last one? Will your lifestyle fit into this new job? Will it affect your commitments to other aspects of your life? Does this new opportunity helps me achieve my goals, or does it distracts you from them? These are some of the top critical questions you should ask yourself before saying “Yes” to a new job.
Professional growth
The fact is you are the one person who is entirely accountable for your career, which should not be ever taken lightly for any reason at all. However, it is advantageous to have an employer who is ready to help your professional development. If you have options like mentoring programs, tuition compensation, professional training, and seminars that can help you move forward professionally, you should go for that opportunity.
So, you have to be strategic and think about the long-term benefits while comparing your current job against the potential job. You should go for anyone that offers a more defined career path and professional advancement. Yes, pay and other benefits are important, but thinking about the career potential and how it can also impact you professionally while also being productive is vital.
Personal Growth
Irrespective of how you wish to interpret personal growth, saying yes to the new job might require considering your personal development. Your new job may require you to make public presentations when you can still not speak publicly, or you might have to use your acquired skills and education to get the job you want. Whatever your knowledge of personal growth is, it is essential to consider it before changing careers. Whatever your decision is, you should be sure that your long-term goals will give you the fulfillment you want.
Location
Anyone with the thought of changing jobs that might be in a new city must do thorough research about the location, company, cost of living, culture, and recreational activities. It doesn’t matter if the change is just 5 miles away or 5 hours from your current location; you still have to think it through. Will the new site be the place where you will be living for a long time? While making such a decision, you should compare the long-term implication against the short-term benefits and how this new location will improve your happiness. If you decide not to move, you should consider calculating how much money you would spend on gas or transportation, your comfort, and other expenditures.
Salary
This is one crucial factor to consider when deciding to go for a new job, compare your present salary to the intended job. If you are not sure about the salary, you should always research the new company and find out what staff for your level is being paid. Yes! Money is not everything, but you must consider it as you would want to get paid for your services. In other words, you need to, by all means, compare what you are being paid now to what your new job’s duties will entail. The amount is the main thing but ensures your pay matches your duties and worth. Getting the proper pay will motivate you to put in more effort wherever you find yourself.
Benefits
When it comes to getting or changing jobs, opting for one that offers good pay and an excellent benefits package may be your best choice. You must look at the total package that comes with the job, such as health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, flexible working hours, vacations, and leave. You must consider everything that is provided in the package before you make the big decision. Planning for your future is essential, which is why you should consider the benefits that come with the new job.
Final Note
These are some of the things to put into consideration when you plan on changing your job. Skim through these factors again, compare what you get at your present job against what the prospective job offers you and make the best decision.
