Your cousin Paul has switched jobs, to a more senior role, with a better salary, in a prestigious company. An opportunity he couldn't refuse! And on the surface, he seems to have the success and happiness that everyone hopes for. However, now that he's in this new role, he's not totally enjoying his new job...
This is common, as changing jobs or companies always involves risk and it is sometimes difficult to assess whether an opportunity is right for you before accepting it.
Whether you actually have a cousin Paul or not, let's look at how to avoid disappointment during the first week in a new job.
Changing jobs for a better salary...
According to a survey, 50% of adults would change jobs for a better salary.
If you are satisfied in your job, but are approached with a higher earning opportunity, be careful before accepting! The grass is not necessarily greener elsewhere and a better salary alone will not make you happy professionally.
According to several studies, happiness and job satisfaction are rather related to a set of considerations such as well-being, stress, compensation, responsibilities, and many other aspects.
With great pay comes great responsibility
It's no secret that senior or executive positions often require longer hours. So while these positions have high salaries, it's important to put things in perspective. It is normal to be paid more if you go from a 35-hour position to one that requires more than 45 hours. In fact, calculating the hourly rate can be a good way to assess whether an opportunity is truly worth it.
Senior positions often come with more responsibility and more tasks. And therefore sometimes more stress. You also need more experience or training to get these positions. In addition, the expectations on you will be higher as the company will expect you to perform at a level consistent with your salary.
All of these aspects should be taken into consideration when evaluating a new opportunity.
Changing jobs for other reasons...
In reality, changing jobs is a personal choice. However, basing your decision on salary alone, without asking more questions, could lead to unpleasant surprises.
What motivates you to consider a higher paying opportunity? Is it really about the salary, or do you have irritants in your current job?
Make sure these irritants are not present in your new position. Because having a higher salary, but more boring tasks, an unpleasant boss, a toxic culture, or any other similar annoyances, will most likely not make you happy.
Often, we make assumptions about a job based on salary and title. However, salary is only part of the equation and it is important to ask the right questions when considering a new opportunity in order to make an informed career choice.
Things to consider before accepting a job
Tasks and Responsibilities :
Think about a typical day in the position you are applying for. Do the tasks and responsibilities of the role motivate you? It is important to enjoy your tasks and feel that they have value and meaning for you.
Do you have the skills to succeed in this position, without being overqualified? If you don't feel you are up to the task in your new role, it may cause you stress. It is sometimes wiser to promote gradually, even if it is less attractive in terms of salary, to give yourself time to become familiar with the new company.
Company Culture :
Company culture is an aspect often mentioned by candidates and companies. In concrete terms, the question you should ask yourself is: Is the company a good fit for you? Make sure that the company's values are compatible with yours.
The Team :
To enjoy your job, you also need to have a certain affinity with the team you work with. Although it is difficult to know in advance if you will get along well with all of your colleagues, try to assess whether you could get along well with the people you meet in an interview.
The Future Supervisor :
A poor relationship with the supervisor(s) is a reason candidates often mention for leaving a company. When interviewing, remember that the company should not be the only one evaluating you.
Try to evaluate the management style of your future manager to make sure that it corresponds to what you are looking for. To be happy, human beings need to feel autonomous.
Personal and Professional Development :
Are there opportunities for growth within the company? If not, will you still be able to develop and grow in the position? Even if this is the ideal position for you right now, if you don't see yourself in the company for more than a year, it may not be the perfect choice for you.
Total Compensation :
Even if we talked about the downside of a high salary, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider compensation when evaluating an opportunity.
A good measure to analyze or compare two jobs is total compensation, which includes direct compensation (salary, bonus, commissions), indirect compensation (benefits, time off, RRSPs, etc.) and non-financial benefits.
What conclusion should we draw from all this? The reality is that whether a salary is high or not, well-being at work is still the main source of happiness. If you get paid what you're worth, have a great team and a good supervisor, you should consider yourself lucky.
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