How To Compare A New Offer With Your Present Job?

Things to consider when you are comparing a new opportunity with your present job

 
How To Compare A New Offer With Your Present Job?

All ambitious people are constantly on the look out for opportunities. We keep ourselves updated with what our friends and colleagues are doing. We try to attend interviews on the go. And we remain alert for better prospects for our career.

But when something substantial actually lands on our plate, it can leave us confused about whether we should let it pass or take the leap. Many questions can leave us confused, like what if we are not happy with the new job, should we leave the comfort of the present job, will the risk be worth it?

In the series, ‘Friends’, Rachel wished to take up a job in Paris, even when her present boss offers her a better pay, because the new job would offer her better opportunities.

Image Credit: TV Series – Friends

Meenakshi Jayaraman, Executive Assistant to Senior Advisor at Publicis Communications, says that, “The salary is a predominant consideration while choosing a job but cannot by itself be the only consideration. There are many factors that come into play while choosing a job like, stability of the organization in the recent times has become an important aspect while considering a jump, along with the culture and the collaborative work atmosphere of the organization also playing a huge role. An organization which offers the right kind of work-life balance put together with potential career opportunities, where one’s efforts are appreciated brings in contentment. In all, one considers all these factors ideally before a jump and if you can tick all these in one go, it would definitely mean you have landed yourself a dream job offering.”

Here are some things that can make it easier to decide when you are comparing a new opportunity with your present job.

Does It Offer Better Money?

Salary may not be the most important factor, but it is definitely one of the important factors. You have to consider whether the new job will allow you to maintain your present lifestyle patterns. Also look at other benefits beyond salary, like leave policy, annual bonus, health benefits, and so on. If there is only a slight jump in salary, also consider your commute time, unpaid transition time or other changes that might not be worth the slight increase in salary.

Does It Help You Learn Something New?

Like Herzberg proved in his Hygiene theory, often we leave our jobs not because of salary, but because we feel stifled and unsatisfied with the career opportunities. So consider these factors when comparing jobs. What is important is for you to have a career plan, even if it changes. Which job offers you better chances of career development, learning a new skill or working with a better team?

Does The Work Culture Suit You?

Considering that we spend a majority of our waking hours at work, it is important that you fit in the work culture. In order to be at your personal and professional best, you need a job you are connected to and to be a part of a culture where you feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work. So, if the new job promises a very different culture than your own inclination, it might not be a good idea to change if you are not convinced that you could fit in.

These factors can help you compare a new job opportunity to your present work situation.

Read Also: Three Times When You Should Beware From A Job Opportunity