Things to consider when changing jobs

Do you remember the first time you landed a job and hoped to work there until you retire? Or have you reached a point in your current career where you just want to stop and move to another company?

Changing jobs is an important decision to make. One wrong move can set you back years, and if you’re unlucky, you may never be able to get back to the career trajectory you’re aiming for.

Consider these factors before jumping to another job:

1. Higher salary and better benefits

The salary increase is a major motivation for people to change jobs. Compare what you are getting from your current job to what the new company is offering. Different companies have different policies on leaves and work schedules. Will you be working for five days or six days? How many leave credits will they be offering?

Other companies offer as much as 15 days for sick leaves and 15 for vacation leaves. Other benefits include free parking, subsidized lunch and/or snacks, gym memberships, and so on.

2. Better work environment

It is said that people do not leave the company — they leave their managers. Your supervisors can either make your work-life heaven or a living hell, which is why it’s important to understand the working styles and values of your supervisors or managers and choose which style and values fit yours. You can ask such questions during the job interview or by asking friends or colleagues who have worked there.

Take note of the work culture as well. Different organizations have different work cultures, so check if you will be comfortable in the new company and if it will jive well with what you are used to. Another thing to consider is the employees. Do you think you will get along well with your new workmates? Do they look happy, stressed, or overworked?

3. Better growth prospects

Many candidates look for career growth in the next two or three years. Will they be promoted to a higher position after some time? Will they get disappointed if they don’t?

Consider the size of the company and turnover, as different companies have different sizes and growth opportunities. If the new job has fewer opportunities for growth in the long run, don’t switch just yet.

4. Location

We know that long drive is tiring, so compute the travel time from your home to the new company. How many hours will it take you to travel back and forth, especially during peak hours? How much is the cost of driving for one day? What about the conditions of the road that you will use: does it flood during the rainy season, how bad is the traffic situation, are there different transportation options, and so forth?

It has been observed that travel time doesn’t matter to new employees because they are still enthusiastic about the new job. However, over time, the enthusiasm wanes and the long drive becomes a major stressor. Aside from stress, a long drive has also been shown to cause weight gain and mood swings.

Another question you have to ask yourself is if the job is worth relocating to. Are you willing to reside near your new workplace? Is it worth the money that you will need to shell out for rent, parking, and other amenities? Do lots of research on the location and the cost of living in your potential new home.

5. Time for family and activities

Work-life balance is important to many people and many want to shift careers or companies so that they can have more time to spend with their families or do extracurricular activities.

Check if the new job is the kind that expects you to return e-mails, calls, or text messages even after work hours. How long does a typical workday last? Are you expected to be on call on weekends and holidays?

If change is that important to you, then maybe it is time for you to leave. As long as you are leaving for the right reasons, you will be in a win-win situation.