A career is more than a paycheck. This simple but undeniable fact should be taken into account when one is contemplating a career switch or taking a new position. There are many factors that go into having a happy career. In this article, we will explore some of the intangibles that go along with looking for a job.
Intangible Number One-The Resume Booster
Is it a savvy move to take a job because it can boost your resume? Most of the time and in most situations, the answer is definitely a big “yes!” In general, any time that you can boost your resume, your long-term prospects and earnings will improve.
Intangible Number Two-Commute Time
Quite often people fail to think about commute time when they are weighing their career and job options. Yet, a long commute is practically like having a part-time job. Here is an important factor to keep in mind; many people have, in fact, been fired as a result of the fatigue that comes along with a long commute. There is also the misery of being stuck in traffic or on a bus or train instead of relaxing and living your life.
Intangible Number Three-Mental Stimulation
Whether or not you will be mentally stimulated might not seem like a major factor when you are comparing salaries between one position and the next, but it is definitely something to strongly consider. This factor might not seem like that “big of a deal” week one, but what about week 101? A boring job can slowly drive you crazy. Boring and easy is still boring, and that can have a negative impact on your life.
Intangible Number Four-Hidden Stress
When you are contemplating a new job prospect, try to evaluate the opening from different angles. Specifically, you should be looking for areas of hidden stress that could potentially come along with a job. One way to do this is to imagine yourself in a given job. What will be expected of you? What would it be like to do the job day in and day out for weeks? Close your eyes and visualize what it looks like. Take note of any emotions that arise.
Intangible Number Five-Just How Good are the Perks?
If a job has additional perks that is great, but how good are they really? Make sure that you’re not being oversold. Great perks can take an ordinary job and help make it a good one, and a good job with great perks can be elevated to a real winner!
A lot goes in to selecting the right job for you and your needs. Don’t be afraid to carefully evaluate a possible job from many different angles. The end result of doing so may be that you save yourself a lot of time and grief in the long run.
Choosing a job only to have no real choice but to quit that job a few weeks or months later will cause a major disruption in your life and earnings. It may also end up weakening your resume. Thinking through all the intangibles associated with a potential job can help you make a tough decision just a little bit easier.
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