Yess! Job searching is exhausting, but do not settle for less.

I recently had the chance to study the art of job hunt from close and believe me, I learned a lot from the experience. Job searching itself is emotionally draining, but in no way, it means that you cannot set your own terms and conditions. No matter how desperate you are for the job, do not give in and add these basic points to your to-keep-in-mind list before saying yes to any job.

Will I grow?

You might have seen some larger-than-life people who are experts in their respective fields and leave you in awe of them wondering “How does this person know so much?” Well, the years of hard work and tons of their time bring them there. So, In order to grow in your field, choose the right place to grow. If you think you are going to be stuck, don’t enter in the first place.

Will it bring enough money?

Money is very important. In job searching, I don’t believe in the crazy idea of you-will-not-make-well-but-you-will-learn-a-lot. I have been there. It did not bring me joy, It put me in constant worries. Before starting your job, figure out how much you will make. Ask these questions to yourself, and proceed if the answers are yes.

Can I save enough doing this job?

Can I pay my expenses through this job?

Is it enough if I had a family(If you are single right now)?

Did they treat me well in the interview?

I know what your thoughts are going to be after reading this question. That you cannot judge someone in the first meeting. But that is not true. You can have an idea of how they are going to treat you if you take the job in the interview itself. people share their interview stories where interviewers make their first priority to rip off the interviewee and shoot the personal questions which are way out of the nature of the job. Please do not give in to these people.

How much is the commute?

Okay, this is going to make me sound totally hypocritical (as I travel 45 mins to my job) but I paid attention to this aspect only after experiencing it. Find a job as close as possible to your home. It reduces both the anxiety of waking up early and the tiresome drive. Coming home will be way less tiring and you will have the potential to do other more important things.

Do I like my working hours?

I think this is the most crucial point. If you are a parent and your working hours are going to be those when your children need you the most, can you manage? If you are a light sleeper and you are doing the night shifts, can you sleep amidst all those noises of the day?

What are the group benefits?

This is one of the many necessities. It is important to have life insurance, disability insurance, critical insurance, and dental expenses covered through work. Otherwise paying dental expenses from your pocket can be a hefty expense. So, make sure to check the company’s group benefits plan.

I am sure everyone has their own set of preferences when they talk about their dream job. But there is a certain aspect of that dream job that is not that dreamy. One has to find a middle way to balance things. Now I am sure next time you start a new job, you will take a practical decision and do not grab the first chance that comes your way!!