Are you currently thinking of changing jobs? If you are, you may already have a dream job in mind. Although it is nice to dream, it is important that you think practially and rationally. Finding a new job can be difficult, but millions of people do it, including several thousand every day of the year. Let's discuss the things that you may want to look for in a new job.
When searching for a new job, you will want to look for those that are intended to be long-term. Long-term positions are ideal if you are looking to quit your current, stable job. You will want to have and possibly need to have income not only right away, but income that you can rely on for months or years to come. That is why temporary positions can often be troublesome, as a job that only lasts one or two months may be unable to provide you with the security that you want and need. However, temporary positions have their place, if you are learning a new profession, or if you want to give a new career or new company a try. Also, getting a "temp to perm" type job can help you land a full time gig some time in the future.
The possibility of career advancement is another thing that you will want to look for in a new job. If you regularly find yourself setting goals, such as higher pay or a position of more responsibility, you may will want to work for a company where you have the opportunity to advance, either in compenstation levels or in job role. If you are able to, research if the company likes to promote from within. Promotion from within is what gives you a better chance of advancing within that company, and is the hallmark of a good job to have. In fact, advancement is something that potential employers like to hear, so be sure to mention your hope for advancement in your job interviews. If the company isn't interested in having you advance, better to find that out now, than wait several years to find out.
Good, but realistic compensation is something else that you should look for in a new job. If you find yourself being asked to take a pay cut, you need to ask if it's worth it. If you are changing career tracks, or changing industries, maybe it's important. If you are able to receive additional benefits that you currently do not have, a pay cut might turn out to be neutral. Therefore, before you search for a new job, you may want to create a budget for yourself. A budget can help you determine how much money you need to make, in order to be secure. You don't want to have to quit 3 months in to your new job, because you find that you can't afford to keep it.
Other benefits are also important to consider. Not all employers provide their employees with health insurance coverage and many companies have a ninety day waiting period before health insurance coverage can be acquired. You may be able to extend your current health insurance from your old employer, for a monthly fee, but that extended coverage often has time limits and other restrictions, and is often very expensive.
A short commute is another feature that you may want to look for in a new job. Location may not be an issue if you are willing to travel or relocate -- especially if the new company is willing to pay for it. Companies that are far from your home may require extra travel time, possibly taking you away from your family, and increasing the number of hours you "work" without actually increasing the amount you spend being professional. You should also examine the cost of gasoline and wear on your vehicle.
