Should You Accept a New Job Offer? 4 Factors to Help You Decide

Congratulations! Well done! You have successfully completed a full job search and have secured a position.

Now it’s time to decide whether the job is right for you. Perhaps you have been offered two roles.  How do you go about making such a life-changing decision? In these situations, it is important to consider all of the factors, not just a ‘fresh start’.

Factor #1- Money

Being honest, more often than not, your decision to change comes down to money. You may have had a life event, such as the birth of a child or an engagement. Finances have now become more important.

Although it is important to consider the financial factor when accepting a new role, consider the other factors. They may help you make the correct decision.

Factor #2- Career Progression

There are three different situations in this factor.

• Does the company structure allow you to progress up the ladder?

• Is this a step-up in your career?

• Are you taking this role to step into a new career? This may mean taking a step back, but is still a vital role in your progression.

For some people, progression isn’t an issue, they are content with staying at the same level. For others, they are building a career. Which one are you?

Factor #3- People/Culture

For some people, how a company treats their employees is very important. Take into account perks and benefits, as well as the team atmosphere itself. Things to consider in this factor include:

• Do you already have friends there?

• How were you greeted and treated during the interview?

• What do the perks and benefits included say about the company’s respect of employees?

You spend a third of your life working, it’s important to love what you do, and where you do it.

Factor #4- Work/Life Balance

When getting tempted by a higher-money salary, it is quite common to see candidates neglect the work/life balance. Is time at home important to you? Perhaps you would like to spend more time with your children. If so, this is something to consider.

If a new company is a two-hour longer commute, but only fractionally more money, the working/commuting day will be four hours longer. Are the other factors outweighing an extra four hours of time at home? That’s for you to decide.

Equally, if a new company is a two-hour shorter commute, but less money, then it may be attractive to you. Would spending more time at home outweigh the other factors you are considering?

Most of these factors, and your final decision, will be based on the reason that you decided to start looking. Think back to when you first started applying. Often this could be the result of an emotional reaction (such as a tough-talk with your manager). More often than not, this will be the real reason you want to change.