When searching for a new job, there are undoubtedly uncountable thoughts running through your mind: is this the right move? Is right now the best time to move? Should I do this or that instead? The questions pile up and you spiral. In the end, that is not good for anyone, and especially not you. So, with that said, here are some ways to look at if this job move will end up being the right opportunity for you to move into a promising job environment. Here are some traits to consider in a probably promising job environment.
Promising Trait #1: Balance
Balance is the key to success. There’s the age old phrase “everything in moderation,” and, just like it holds through with food, exercise, or literally anything else, it also comes to fruition in the workplace. In the last few years, we have become more accustomed to the term “work-life balance.” That might me flexible scheduling, like work-from-home options or coming in or leaving early for an appointment or dropping off family members. Maybe that means having hard stops for work hours, preventing people from taking their work, and therefore their stress, home with them. Whatever the case may be, work-life balance is really important. When looking into new roles, ask about the company’s work-life balance.
Promising Trait #2: Security
Like balance, security can really mean a lot of things. Aside from the obvious concerns about job security (i.e., will my role be here in the next year?), it can mean a lot more than that. Are there opportunities for growth at this company? That goes beyond just a promotion, though that doesn’t hurt either. Rather, will this company support me going back to school or earning a certificate of some sort? Will they pay for it? Can I feel supported when turning to human resources or upper management about an issue? The job security can go way beyond that single aspect of a person’s life and eventually incorporate personal security, too.
Promising Trait #3: Purpose
What is the purpose of the job? Of the company as a whole? These are some really important questions to ask. Is the work something you can get behind, or are you just in it for a paycheck? Either answer, or neither, are perfectly acceptable. What needs to be determined is what kind of role it will play in your life and career.
Is it really important for you to feel a connection to your work or others doing it? If so, you may need to ask about collaborative opportunities in the role. Your collaborative nature might not mesh with the independent spirit of the department’s, and that is okay. Accept it and decide if that’s something you can live with or if you should move on to greener pastures.
Likewise, if the collaborative nature of the work is something important to you, be sure to understand how the recognition is passed around when the work is done. That’s not to say you need to toot your own horn, but no one likes working for some one or some group that does not support the team as a whole and takes credit where it is not due.
Promising Trait #4: Stability
Different than security, stability comes into play when considering the compensation received from the work completed. While money should not necessarily be the defining feature of a job, nor the determinant factor in accepting it, obviously, it pays an important part. Is the compensation reasonable and comparable to the industry standard? Can you live off of the salary? What benefits are offered and do the match your needs? Are there negotiations to be had about the compensation? These are all questions that must be asked to find success and satisfaction long term in any role.
Promising Trait #5: Enjoyability
Though this might not be the end-all, be-all with how to determine the promising traits of a job environment, enjoying the work that you do and the people you are doing it with is certainly a factor to consider. At the very least, do not hate your job. That will lead to a downward spiral before long and not only will you suffer, but the work, too. Find something you can be passionate about or at least care about when enjoying your career’s twists and turns.
Though none of these 5 traits of a promising job environment should be the determining factor in deciding if a job is the right choice, at least hopefully some of the questions from the introductory paragraph can be answered here. Always consider these traits and be aware that you can add your own if you think that’s what’s needed. After all, you know yourself best.
