6 Things to Consider When Looking for a New Job

Looking for a new job takes some self-reflection with respect to your personal values and personality. Whatever your motives and reasons are for the possible jobs you’re considering, here are six things to consider when looking for a new job that will last.

1. Are You a Team Player?

Being aware of how well you work with others will play a strong role in the jobs you are considering. If you are more introverted, a position with less conversing might be best. If you enjoy socializing, working in an environment with communication might feel like a dream job. Consider your personality and the positions that would be best for you.

Seriously, if you’re on a phlebotomist salary, but you absolutely hate the work you’re doing, your job won’t last. Be ready to define your values and be honest with yourself or face the consequences of poor job satisfaction.

2. Be Willing to Work Hard

When you first start a job, your employer will be reviewing your workflow to make sure that you can keep up with the demands of the position. Regardless of the jobs you consider, this review process will likely occur with any job you start. Expect to have your work observed and be willing to work hard to prove yourself to your boss.

3. How Frequently Do You Need to Be Paid?

Depending on the position, you could be given a salary, a weekly paycheck, a bi-weekly paycheck, etc. Having a clear picture of your financial timeframe is definitely something to grasp before accepting offers. If you can’t pay your bills on time, then maybe it’s not the right payroll plan.

4. Don’t Settle for the First Option

It can be tempting to go with the first job that comes your way, but that is not usually the best idea. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily the best plan, especially if you want a fulfilling career.

At the same time, sometimes it is necessary to pick up work you don’t truly enjoy (cleaning and housework, labor gigs, etc.) for the sake of making ends meet. You will need to consider your reasons for every job offer that comes your way. Don’t settle for the first option unless it feels right for you.

5. Will You Work Smarter or Harder?

You need to decide if making more money or having more free time is more important to you. As far as work is concerned, if you’re not happy, you won’t likely stay with the job.

If you’re in the rare position to have both options available, how will you spend your time? Is it necessary for your mental health to beat the work stress by sticking to a structured work schedule, or do you find it more rewarding to make your schedule or travel for work?

These are factors to consider as you reflect on possible job opportunities that come up.

6. Consider the Commute

If you’ve found the perfect job for yourself, but it is a million miles away, then it may not be the ideal job after all. Your commute to work is a significant consideration; it eats away at your car fuel, forces you to get up earlier, and requires that you spend more time driving.

You may, however, be someone who doesn’t mind a commute, especially if the job pays well. Consider your values and personal tolerance for commuting to work before accepting any job offers.

The Bottom Line

Looking for a new job means getting honest with yourself and your practical expectations for employment. Don’t settle for less than you deserve and don’t set yourself up to fail.

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