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Factors to Consider when Choosing a Career
Here are a few important factors that you will want to consider when choosing a rewarding career.
Distance
Are you looking to work for a company in your local area? Or don't you mind driving to the big city every morning?
Driving distance can have a large impact on choosing the company you want to work for. The increase in gas prices has had a huge impact on the pockets of long distance commuters. Many long distance commuters have either relocated their jobs or their families to be closer to the job location in an effort to offset traveling cost.
Weather can also play a major role in your commute. If you live in areas prone to bad weather, your commute can become a difficult task that can consume additional time and expenses.
Work environment
Are you looking to climb the corporate ladder? Or are you happy working in a small, laid-back company.
Working at a large corporation may encompass a more professional, rigid environment. Dress codes may be more strict, company rules are more likely to be enforced. You may also find yourself in a more competitive environment with your colleagues.
While working for a corporation may seem more competitive and possibly confining for many people, a large corporation often has more resources and can offer their employees excellent benefits, company stock options, ongoing training and education.
At a smaller company you may find yourself with a shorter driving commute. Company rules may be relaxed and not as rigidly enforced. Many people find a small company akin to having a second 'family'. Working with a limited number of people often generates close friendships.
While working for a small company may seem 'comfy' and 'cozy', keep in mind that company benefits may be limited. The company may also have fewer resources to rely on when business decreases, which could cause your job to be in jeopardy.
Both scenarios have pros and cons. Only you know which route is best for you and your goals.
Benefits
Benefits are a very important aspect to consider when choosing the company you will work for. Healthcare costs are on the rise with no end in sight. Companies that previously covered the entire cost for their employees' healthcare are now sharing that expense with employees.
Healthcare benefits are often the first area a company will target when the business is in danger and profits are low. Healthcare can be the largest expense for many families and many people will often choose a lower salary in exchange for a better healthcare package.
Other factors to consider when researching benefits offered by a company are vacation, sick days and personal days. If you have a family you may need to take sick days off when your children are sick. Many daycare centers won't allow children who are sick to attend until they have overcome their illness.
We all know how expensive the cost of higher education is becoming. Obtaining a position with a company that will fund your education can save you a huge amount on one of life's largest expenses. Some companies also offer college funding for employee's children. We don't have to tell you that this benefit is worth its weight in gold!
Salary
Salary is often the most important factor when considering a job position. I mean, it is the reason we all get out of bed and find our way to work everyday isn't it? Even the most rewarding job can take an ominous turn if you can't pay your bills and are under constant stress.
Salaries will vary from job to job and location to location. You really need to do research into the average salary for the position you are applying for. Be sure you have thoroughly researched this information before you go on a job interview. Know what the lowest salary is that you will accept before going on a job interview.
Remember, he who speaks first loses; when asked what salary you expect, be sure to answer that it depends on the position you are offered, the benefit package, vacation days ect. You want the company to be the first to lay the salary offer on the table. You may short-change yourself by stating too low a salary, or lose the position for yourself by stating a salary that is higher than the company is willing to pay.
Flexibility
Flexibility may not seem like a major player in factoring the perfect job, but once you obtain a job position you will quickly come to realize just how important it can be.
Flexibility can mean different things to many people. For some it is the ability to come in to work later or leave early for things such as medical appointments, and still have the ability to make up your work time. For others it may be the ability to telecommute a few days a week or even full time. For others it is the ability to move to different areas in the company and obtain multiple skills.
It is important to consider what area the company is flexible in and what areas they stick to rigid rules. Knowing these factors before you accept a position can help to make your career experience much more pleasant.
Company Opportunities
You should inquire into the opportunities that are available within the company. Will you be able to move up within the company? Are there often other positions that are available to company employees?
You don't want to start a job and find that you are going to be pigeon-holed into your specific position with no opportunity to grow and learn new skill sets. The more skills you are able to obtain, the more secure your position will be since you will make yourself invaluable to the company.
Funding Your Education
We have already stated how expensive the cost of higher education is becoming. In today's world, a higher education is required to obtain even basic positions within a company.
Higher education means higher expenses that many people cannot afford. Finding a company that will invest in your education is one of the best methods you can use to get the degree that you otherwise might not have been able to obtain.
Many larger corporations will also help fund the education of their employees' children. This is a great way to offset college expenses and provide your children with a secure future. Keep in mind that you and your child will need to maintain a certain grade point average to obtain a company funded education.
Company Stability
A very important aspect to consider is the stability of a company. You certainly don't want to start a position in a company only to find yourself laid-off a short time later and vying for the same position at competitive company along with your co-workers.
Be sure to do your research into the history of the company. If the company is publicly traded you can also use this information to base your research on. Dunn & Bradstreet is an excellent resource to start with when beginning research on a company.
Traveling
Do you like to travel, or are you a home-body? You will want to inquire and find out if the company you are apply at will require you to travel. If you are required to travel you will want to be aware of accommodations the company offers and how much of the expenses incurred the company will cover. You will also need to know if the company expects you to pay your traveling expenses in advance and reimburse you later. This scenario can become a strain if you are not financially ready to absorb these expenses.
Significant amounts of required travel can often be very stressful on family relationships. On the other hand you may be young, just out of college, full of life and energy and ready to embark on a journey to see the world. Whichever your preference is you will want to be aware of what the company policy is on traveling for your position.
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