A paycheck is essential when it comes to the job you have or the job you want, but it isn’t everything. What about your job satisfaction or genuine happiness? Have you ever taken those into account when searching for a job or considering a job offer? If you’re looking for a job, you need to consider these 7 things in addition to your paycheck.
- Schedule – What working hours fit your needs (or wants) best? The hours you spend at work greatly impact your overall work-life balance. It’s safe to assume that not every job is 9-to-5 unless that is clearly communicated to you during the interview process. Have a clear understanding of the hours you’ll need to work both in the office and outside of it, along with the days you’ll need to be on the job.
- Benefits – Compensation goes a long way, but there is more to benefits than just that. Think about what else you would like included. For example, this may mean access to certain health benefits, retirement contributions, PTO, bonuses, holiday time off, or even stock options. Consider what’s important to you and what you really want.
- Stability – There’s nothing worse than signing with a company only to have that company come into financial ruin soon after. Do your homework before accepting any job offer, and make sure the company you choose to join is both stable and has a very true possibility to grow. Ensure, as best you can, that there are no future financial risks.
- Values – We all have values that make us the people we are and the morals we abide by. Your integrity weighs more heavily than a paycheck so make sure wherever you start working next doesn’t make you compromise it. Put yourself in the shoes of a salesperson. Imagine if you worked for a company that encouraged you to fudge your numbers. Deception probably isn’t on your list of “values to live by,” so your next move should be toward the door. Don’t look for a job whose company puts you in this type of situation.
- Culture – If job flexibility is important to you, find a company with a culture promoting that. You might be able to use the employee handbook as a resource to go through your future employer checkboxes but figuring out a company’s culture is a less tangible process. Company culture is best determined by hearing from the current employees experiencing it. As a start, during the interview process, ask your interviewers if they like working there and how often turnover happens.
- Growth – Career progression doesn’t happen without opportunities to grow. Employees who improve themselves also improve the company, leading to a more stable work environment. During the interview process, ask about what opportunities for growth are offered, and determine if the job will challenge you enough to make you better.
- Balance – Work-life balance means different things to different people. In most cases, a job that makes someone happy allows them to still live their life outside of work to the extent they want to. Whether it’s a hobby you enjoy, time with your family you want to commit to, or fun with friends you don’t want to give up, make sure you can balance the workload with your personal wants.
When it comes down to it, work is so much more than just a paycheck if you want true job satisfaction. So, what do you need to consider next time you’re looking for a job? Join the conversation on LinkedIn. Also, check out 5 Personal Branding Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid.
