How to choose between two jobs
By mizchulita
We should all be so lucky as to have the opportunity to choose between two jobs! But should you find yourself in this enviable position, don’t act in haste! Instead, think carefully about the pros and cons of each job before you sign on the dotted line.
- Step 1
First of all, consider how much each of the jobs pays. In order to do this, you must figure out how much you are making for each day (or hour) you work. So find out how much vacation time you’ll be getting, and what the work hours are. Will you be receiving overtime pay or will you be a salaried worker? Divide your anticipated yearly wage by the number of days or hours that you work, and you’ll have a good picture.
- Step 2
When choosing between two jobs, don’t forget about benefits. In fact, you may want to factor the cost of these into your daily wage in step one. However, benefits such as health insurance may not be important to you if you are already covered by your spouse’s employer, however. But do look at which benefits you want, and factor the cost of them into the daily wage.
- Step 3
Look for hidden costs of each job. If one job requires you to commute for an hour while the other job can easily be driven to in ten minutes, factor that into your decision. Be sure to calculate wear and tear on your car, your time and the cost of gas and subtract it from your daily wage if a commute may be a factor.
- Step 4
Of course, choosing between two jobs isn’t only about the money. How do the values of each job align with your own? Did you feel comfortable with the company culture and the person who will be your immediate supervisor? Which job offers the most opportunities for growth? Does one job offer a casual (and therefore less expensive wardrobe) work environment?
- Step 5
How much traveling does each of the two jobs require? Do you enjoy traveling? This is another area to consider.
- Step 6
What about job perks such as the use of health facilities, on site day care and flexible hours? Evaluate how important these things are to you, and if applicable, work them into your daily wage.
- Step 7
Finally, put it all together by creating a chart. Simply list the two jobs you are trying to choose between at the top of a sheet of paper, and begin listing the facts, such as salary, benefits, etc. Then list your impressions of the company–casual, fun, uptight, etc. Then read down each side of your list. This should help you choose between the two jobs.
- Step 8
If all seems to come up equal, go with your gut feeling. Think about which job made you feel the most excited when you got the offer, and go with that one.
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Location: East Texas
My Current Project: Applying for Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership
My Home Page: http://littlepinkflower.com
About Me:
I teach at a disciplinary alternative school. I’ve done this work for over 15 years, and although I love it, I can’t imagine doing it for another 20. I’m always looking for (and usually finding) ways to make extra cash, with the goal of teaching at the university level.
I am also the very proud mom of two sons. One son is 18 and lives in Portland, Oregon; while the other is in 4th grade. They are both absolutely wonderful!
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