So, you have been interviewing for other jobs and now you finally have a job offer, but all of a sudden you don’t know if you should stay at your current job or leave. How do you choose between your current job and a new job offer?
- First and foremost, it is important that you at least have an idea of your career goals and know your core values. For example, if you are a human resources professional like me, and you know you dislike recruiting, you probably shouldn’t take a job as a recruiter just to gain additional experience or get your “foot in the door.” When you do this, it almost never works out because you’re left feeling dissatisfied in your career and most likely, your environment. If you haven’t already, asked the recruiter you are working with or the hiring manager, what a typical day in the new role looks like and compare it to your current role.
- Research, research, research. If possible, try to obtain a realistic picture of the new role you are considering. Unfortunately, I know a lot of organizations will say any and everything to get you to come work for them, but you are in control of your career and have a right and responsibility to yourself to ask pressing questions. See if you can speak to any of their employees or even better, find out if you know anyone that works for the organization you are interested in, and do some more “digging” about your potential employer’s culture and environment.
- Look at your current role and organization–are there opportunities for growth and professional development or is this it where you are? FYI, I’ve been there…in a role where I enjoyed the work but there was nowhere else for me to go and because I am an overachiever, that just didn’t work for me. It wasn’t solely the lack of growth opportunities, my salary potential in that position did not align with my future goals and life I wanted to live. Think about where you are, your tasks, in addition to your salary and future goals, do you see yourself staying at your current organization a little while longer?
- Salary is important, but what’s most important is personal satisfaction….which of course can be tied to salary as well but that’s another topic. What are the perks between your current job and new job offer? Which job offers more of a work-life balance (if that’s important to you)? What does the paid time off (PTO) policy look like? Or do you just want the job title? Personal satisfaction is just that, personal. Only you know what is important to you.
- Trust your gut. If your Spidey-senses are tingling…maybe you’re not comfortable accepting the new job offer or maybe if you stay in your current role, you may never leave. All I know is your intuition is REAL. Think about all the times you’ve trusted your instincts and how it has worked out for you. Let your instincts continue to guide you in every area of your life, this includes choosing between your current role and a new job offer.
If you’re still unsure, check out this activity for assistance: What is Important to You in Your Career?