By Julianne Hill, Marketing Manager, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.
Embarking on a new career path or job search can be an exhilarating yet daunting process. Believe me, I’ve been there! I found many exciting possibilities, but the magnitude of the choices and their impact can be overwhelming. I have learned many things along the way in my career path and helping others find theirs. In this blog, I will share 10 key factors I recommend considering when making a job or career change or if you are starting out.
These key factors include:
- Interests and passions
- Job market and demand
- Education and skill requirements
- Salary and benefits
- Work-life balance & schedule
- Opportunities for advancement
- Company culture and environment
- Personal values
- Work-related stress
- Future trends in technology
Interests and Passions
When considering interests and passions, I recommend digging deep. What are you interested in? What will give you the most job satisfaction? What kinds of things do you enjoy that seem like something other than work?
Do you enjoy creativeness, problem-solving, helping others, nature, entrepreneurship, technology, communication or public speaking, sports, social justice, advocacy, or science and research? If so, factor these things into your decision on a job or career.
Fortunately, there are online tools to help you explore your interests. One of these is the O*Net Interest Profiler. I will explore this tool in further detail in an upcoming blog.
Job Market and Demand
When considering the job market and demand, research is critical. Many online tools will help you with this research. One site that can help you with this is My Next Move. Be sure to use the tool to research your specific state and location. There are many differences in demand depending on your state and area. Another tip is to search a site such as Indeed to see the openings for your chosen field in your area.
Education and Skill Requirements
What education and skills are required for your chosen field of interest? If you need the skills or education, how long will it take you to obtain them? These are essential questions to ask when choosing a new job or career. O*Net and My Next Move will be a great asset when researching skills and education. One tip I’ve found helpful over the years is that if you are looking for a job for now while you advance your skills and education, make sure it is flexible enough to allow you the time to complete your chosen program.
Salary & Benefits
The salary is a huge factor when choosing a new job or career, but don’t forget the benefits package. Make sure to select an industry and employer that will offer the benefits you are looking for.
What is your ideal wage if you are just starting out or looking to advance your career? What pay will allow you to live your best life? From here, you can research options that fit your wage goals and create a strategy for achieving this outcome.
Knowing how to negotiate salary is essential for job-seekers. It can lead to higher wages and more benefits. Some employers even expect a candidate to negotiate with them. They may consider candidates that negotiate to be more confident and assertive. Negotiation gives the appearance that the candidate has done their homework and understands their value in the job market. One place to seek wage range guidance is from O*Net Online. Having this data at your fingertips can assist you in the negotiating process. Don’t know how to negotiate? No worries, there are plenty of resources out there to help you! One of those resources is the Indeed Career Guide. Specifically there is an Indeed Career Guide article that is titled 40 Tips for Improving Salary Negotiation Skills. Please check out this article if you would like to brush up on your negotiation skills.
Work-Life Balance & Schedule
Work-life balance is a crucial factor that has gained increasing importance in recent years. There has been greater recognition of the need to establish boundaries and balance between your personal life and work. This balance promotes well-being and reduces stress, enhancing life satisfaction.
What is your ideal schedule? Do you prefer to start early so you can end your day early? Do you like working long days to have fewer work days per week? Do you want to work a set schedule or a flexible schedule? Do you prefer to work a fixed amount of hours and leave work at work, or are you open to being on call? When are you more alert and productive, morning, afternoon, or evening? Personally, I work better with a flexible schedule, thus working during times I know that I am most productive. I know this about myself, so this would be my priority if I were looking for a change. Ultimately, the reasoning behind these questions is building self-awareness and understanding your desires and preferences.
Opportunities for Advancement
When researching a job or career, consider if there are opportunities for advancement. For example, if your ideal wage cannot be attained at the level you enter a company, is there a path within the company that would allow you to work toward this ideal wage with further experience, skills, and/or education? Look at the long-term prospects of your chosen field instead of just the entry point. Make sure the jobs that you pursue align with the rest of your professional goals and critical factors.
Company Culture and Environment
Some environments include a fast-paced, collaborative setting. Others could be a quieter independent work environment. Do you work best in the office, remotely, or in a hybrid environment? With the increase in technology, there are more of these opportunities available. Do you prefer to be given set step-by-step instructions, or do you like being given the end goal and figuring out the steps to get there?
According to the Indeed Career Guide, company culture is a set of shared core values and practices that define an organization. Some components of company culture include mission and values, relationships and transparency between leadership and employees, employee acknowledgment, professional development, and aesthetics and culture.
For me, company culture is one of the most critical factors. I know the culture I thrive in, and seeking opportunities that fit within this is paramount to me. This factor also makes it necessary to know yourself and your priorities. It is going to require research. The research includes looking into companies to ensure their culture and values align with yours.
Personal Values
What are your personal values and priorities? Do you prioritize making a difference in society, or is financial success or creativity more important? This is just one example to consider. You must choose a career and, ultimately, a company that aligns with your values. Again, this takes personal reflection and research.
Work-Related Stress
What is your tolerance for stress? Knowing this is of utmost importance. Some career paths may be highly demanding and have significant pressure. Others may be less stressful and more relaxed. Know your tolerance and ensure your career path ensures your emotional and mental well-being.
Future Trends in Technology
Staying current on trends in your chosen industry is an imperative factor. Some career paths may be disrupted due to technological changes or automation. Other tracks are more stable and offer growth opportunities. Staying on top of these trends and choosing a path that includes innovation and a bright future will be integral to your success.
O*Net Online has a Hot Technologies page to help you stay current. These technologies are ones that are frequently required by employers. The page allows you to search for an individual technology, by the number of job postings that require the tech or alphabetically by the name of the technology.Another resource to check for trends is the Indeed Career Guide. Please check out the article How To Stay Current With Technology Trends for more information on this topic.
Considering your needs, priorities, and motivations is essential to any career or job change. It may seem daunting or like it will take too much time, but I promise you it is worth it. When you conduct thorough research and consider long-term goals, it will help you make decisions that are informed. But you do not have to do this alone. Goodwill professionals can help you with this process. Please reach out to them for assistance.
Best wishes on your career journey. Goodbye for now!
