So you’ve been offered a job, maybe even two jobs and now you need to decide whether to accept. Or maybe you’re applying for jobs but just don’t know what you want to come from your job search. It’s okay to be a little unsure of what to do, so in this article we will discuss ways in which you can help make your decision easier and factors to consider when choosing a career path.
- Is it something you enjoy?
Possibly the most important part of choosing your career is whether or not it’s something you enjoy doing. After all, this will take up a very large part of your day-to-day life, so if you can avoid it you don’t want to commit the next 50+ years to a career that won’t make you happy. It’s all very well to take a job you don’t enjoy if you need to earn some money in the short term, but when it comes to a career choice make sure you are doing something that makes you happy.
- Are you good at it?
So it’s one thing to do a job you enjoy but is it also something you are good at? You need to find an equilibrium of your own skill and what you want to do. There isn’t much point in chasing a career you won’t succeed in! The likelihood, however, is that you will be good at it if you enjoy it because you will be willing to put in the effort required to become successful and skilled at your job, so this point is less important than point #1.
- What does it pay and are you happy with the wage?
Of course, starting at the bottom of any career ladder isn’t going to pay amazingly well but that doesn’t mean you should settle for something you think is underpaid. For example, there are many jobs within customer service call centres that pay anything from £13,000 – £18,000. That is an enormous gulf in difference of wages. Don’t settle for the first thing if you feel it’s underpaid, after all the likelihood is you will be unhappy and unhappy workers don’t succeed nearly as easily as happy ones.
- What is the commute like?
Some people don’t mind a long commute but if you are one of those (like myself) who hates commuting for a long time, maybe factor this into your career choice when it comes to specific jobs. A long commute can be exhausting and cause your job to take up even more of your day-to-day life. If you are being paid enough, have you considered relocating? Of course, a long commute should never deter you from your dream job, however if you aren’t sure about taking an offer make sure to bring this into consideration.
- Are you looking for a job or a career?
It is very important when making a decision about whether to accept a job offer to ensure you have thought carefully about what it is you want out of your current employment. Are you looking for a short term job to help earn a little money in your summer break, for example, or are you looking for a start to a career that you can follow for the rest of your life? These are two very different things and will be important deciding factors for you. If you are just looking for a job in the short term, for example, it won’t matter as much to you if you don’t love it as it would if it was a career you were looking to pursue long term. Consider exactly what it is you want from your current job search and be sure to factor this in if you are unsure about accepting a job.
Hopefully after asking yourself these 5 questions you might feel a little more confident in your decision. Remember that it is always your choice if you want to accept a job offer, especially if you find yourself in a position where you are living with parents for example. The pressure to get a job can sometimes feel unbearable but remember it’s your life and your future.
