6 Things To Consider When Accepting a Job Offer

Not everyone retires from the same employer that provided us with our first out-of-college job. While some of these career changes might be unintentional, due to termination or lay-off or other circumstances beyond our control, in the end, we’ll be the ones leaving. 

That said, you need to know when to stay and when to go – and be aware that it’s not always easy to tell the difference at first sight. Understanding these considerations can help you decide whether you want to commit to an organization – the more factors you consider when deciding, the more things you know to guide your choice. 

#1 Your Salary – Will you earn more?

It’s totally normal to think about your future income first. We all know that money isn’t everything, yet we can’t enjoy much of anything without it -stressing finances has a way of removing any feeling of joy in this life. 

While higher pay isn’t the sole reason to take a job, most people want to see a persistent gain in salary over time. 

If you’re not satisfied with what your current employers offer in terms of regular raises (and if they don’t offer these raises, they’re not alone), your best choice might be to move one to another company. Start anew. 

Obviously, you should first evaluate employee benefits and perks on the much greener pastures – including health insurance, retirement plans, sick leave, vacation, life, and disability insurance – that represent 30% of your total compensation package. 

Take your time and triple-check what you’re offered to make sure it’s what you need at this stage in your life. 

#2 Opportunity for Career Progression – Is there one?

Not everyone feels comfortable asking about growth opportunities in an interview setting. However, if you’re up for a new job market or seek a different career path, you will want to know your chances to move forward in a corporate environment. If you know what’s at stake, you might be more likely to think of that job offer as a long-term prospect. You might as well consider possibilities for career advancement as part of your overall payment. That said, opportunities to advance professionally in a company could be more rewarding that a high-paying salary or other perks. 

What’s more, asking this question shows your future employer that you’re ready to exceed expectations. It displays your drive and ambition to succeed in your current and future position. Your interview will likely appreciate your way of thinking, and it might make you a more desirable candidate for the job.

Finally, asking whether there’s an opportunity for career advancement will prove to your future employer that you care the specific job and company that you’re interviewing for. 

#3 Commuting – If that’s the case 

Obviously, commuting from your place to your new job location looks perfectly doable on paper, but have you actually put it to the test? This is one of the biggest mistakes people make before accepting a job offer   – they just assume that travelling to a certain location won’t be an issue. But that’s not always the case. Before accepting a new job offer, be sure to practise the commute route to the office and back a few times, ideally during peak hours, to get an idea of how long it will take you to reach work five days a week. Long commutes to your 9 to 5 will take their toll on your health and may even put your new career in jeopardy if you keep getting late. 

# 4 Stress- How much can you take?

There is no perfect job on this planet. Whether you’re an engineer, doctor, marketing strategist, or programmer, a job will always come with a certain degree of stress, and that’s just the way life is. 

Stress is eating away your creativity and, more importantly, your health. According to legal experts from MedicalNegligenceLaw.org.uk, it’s important to avoid workplaces with a great propensity for stress as these can lead to serious medical issues. As such, you must be able to determine where you will be able to handle the amount of stress this new position might inflict on your life or whether it will affect other aspects of your life. 

A lot of people who accept job offerings that come slapped with a warning sticker for stress overlook this warning and claim they’ll be able to handle it at times. Think before accepting an offer that will significantly strain your mental and physical health. 

#5 Company culture – Do you fit In?

Working for a company that matches your preference and personal style can play a significant role in your professional advancement. People are looking for companies that fit their ideals and are green-minded and inclusive. So, whether you want to be part of a more relaxed culture or follow a more traditional approach, you can benefit from evaluating the culture during your interview and decide if you would join a team with that approach to the workday. 

#6 Stability – How secure do you feel?

Starting anew in a company isn’t much good if you’re likely to walk out the door a few weeks later. When it comes to accepting a new job offering, make sure you are financially and contractually stable in every aspect. Many people overlook this aspect when accepting a new position only to find out they don’t feel secure enough a few weeks later. But as you well know, there are several industries out there that are prone to making lay-offs, and no new job is ever 100% secure. 

Before shaking hands, take the current financial climate and economy into account and do some independent research into the financial health of the company you’re ready to become a part of.