Ask yourself these 11 questions before you decide to change jobs
Do you find yourself feeling increasingly miserable day after day at work?
Do complain to your colleagues that you feel stuck in your position?
Have you found yourself considering changing jobs?
Quitting your job and changing companies is a big decision to make. There are so many factors to consider, such as money, location, corporate culture and career trajectory. And these important aspects can be overwhelming.
Lucky for you, we’re here with 11 important questions to ask yourself before you decide to jump ship.
1. WHY DO I WANT TO CHANGE JOBS?
If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your current job, you need to consider if the new offer is something you’re actually interested in – or if you’re just in dire need of a holiday.
On the flip side, if you’re reluctant to leave your current job even though you’re unhappy, ask yourself if you are staying because you fear leaving your comfort zone.
2. WHAT DO I WANT FROM A JOB?
Review your priorities: is a salary the most important thing to you right now? Or do you need to be challenged at your job? Consider making a list of pros and cons for both positions to help make your decision.
3. WHICH JOB HAS MORE POTENTIAL ADVANCEMENT?
Is there still room to grow at your current job, or does the new company offer better career advancement opportunities?
If your new job offer seems like a promotion right now but has fewer opportunities for advancement in the long run, you might want to reconsider switching for now.
4. WHAT IS THE CORPORATE CULTURE?
Your new position might seem great on paper, but if the work environment doesn’t suit you, it won’t be long until you feel unhappy there too.
When visiting the office for an interview or tour, keep an eye out for these two hints: 1. Are the people at the office happy or stressed or overworked? 2. Do the employees seem like people you’ll get along with?
These may seem like it’s not a big deal, but keep in mind that your work colleagues are the people you see and interact with the most!
5. HOW LONG/FAR IS THE COMMUTE?
Although you might feel like there ain’t no mountain high enough, valley low enough, or river wide enough to keep you from your dream job, studies have shown that commuting for more than 30 minutes each way can cause weight gain, increase stress and affect your mood.
6. WHAT IS THE WORK/LIFE BALANCE?
We cannot stress how important it is to find a job that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle.
If you’ve received a job offer from the new company, it is completely appropriate to ask questions about their work culture.
Key things to find out is if they expect you to be on call on holidays and weekends and if you’re expected to return calls and emails after work hours.
7. WHAT IS THE LOCATION LIKE?
This question is crucial if the new job involves you relocating to a new city. You should do lots of research on your potential new home, including cost of living, recreational activities and general culture.
8. WILL I BE PAID ENOUGH?
It’s only natural to compare the salary of your new position against your current job. But you should also look at the offer without reference to your current position.
If you’re not sure how much someone at your professional level should be paid, do some research to find out how much people in your field and at your level generally get paid.
9. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Although picking the job with the highest salary might seem like the obvious choice, it’s important to consider the whole package.
Are there good insurance and retirement plans? Does the job offer lead to an eventual permanent position? Are there other benefits like flexible hours, or the option of funding if you continue your studies? Might the company consider paying your PTPTN loan?
10. WHAT CHALLENGES WILL I FACE?
You’ll want to be sure that the new position will help you grow professionally.
Consider if the job offered will force you out of your comfort zone and teach you new things? Or will the tasks simply eat up at your time and make you feel busy?
11. HOW WILL THIS AFFECT MY PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS?
If you haven’t been at your current job for very long, consider if making the switch right now might result in burning some bridges with your colleagues and bosses.
Having good relationships with your employer will reflect your professional attitude and affect your ability to get jobs in the future.
We hope these questions help you make your decision!
