People go to college or vocational training with one type of career in mind. When they enter the workforce, they are lucky if they can find a position in their field without having to take another job to get by. During the early years of work, people weather changes in their personal lives such as marriage and parenthood that change their priorities and needs. Here is a brief discussion on how to find a job that balances your personal needs with your career aspirations.
At the onset of your career, you are most likely going to accept whatever type of interesting or paid work you can find. Once you have added some experience to your resume, you can pick and choose from positions best suited to your interests as well as the needs of your family and lifestyle. It is tricky sometimes to match your dream job with demands like family life and other obligations. Here are some questions to resolve before accepting a new job.
1. What is the time commitment that I would like to invest in this job each week? Decide if your commitment will be in line with the requirements stated by your prospective boss.
2. What are the opportunities for advancement and professional development? Since most people don’t want a dead-end job, this is an important question to ask a prospective employer. Some companies stand out as promoting employees and paying for their continuing education through travel and professional development.
3. Will this job be suitable for my family life or personal lifestyle? Suitability to your lifestyle and the demands of your loved ones varies for each person. There is more to consider than just a time commitment. What kind of travel and personal wardrobe is involved? Will you be able to take a vacation and receive holidays off? Will you be able to take a leave of absence for medical problems? Does the employer offer comprehensive benefits like health insurance? If you ask clear questions by researching a company’s personnel policies, you will have your eyes wide open if you decide to accept the position.
Once you have reasonable answers to these questions, you can weigh the pros and cons to see if the proposed job is right for you. Keep doors open at other employers if this position turns out not to be right for your family life or other personal obligations. It takes some time to find the right job and keep it while working around your personal life. Achieving the right balance is key to finding personal reward in your forty or more hours a week on the job.