Monday, January 22, 2018
What to Look for in a Career: 10 Deal Breakers
We are already three weeks into 2018 and many of you have started new jobs or are looking for a new gig. I know I hate looking for a new job. I just feel so uneasy and uncertain. Will this place be a good fit for me? Will I like my co-workers? Will I get paid what I deserve? There are just so many unanswered questions, it always leaves my semi-terrified. These days, the job market is all over the map. Many young people are getting out of school with a great level of confusion as to how they will put their degree to work. This week at Budget Boss is all about careers and I will attempt to help those of you looking for a career, or those of you already in one. Today, I am going to tackle what to look for in a job. I have certain criteria for someone who wishes to use my time and so should you. Check out if your current or future gig fits the bill.
1) Show me the money
You should always be wary of a job that doesn’t “front-page” what they are going to pay you. So many knuckle-head employers stray away from the topic when it comes to compensation as if your time is not worth something. Jobs these days expect you to be on-call and ready to roll, all day. If that’s the case, you better pay me right. It is important to understand that if you are dedicated a large portion of your week to something, it better be fruitful. Minimum wage begets minimum effort, so understand where you fit into that mold. If you can’t pay your bills, provide for yourself and your family, and prepare for the future with the money you are making, then you are not getting paid enough. See why having a budget is important? It shows you where you stand everywhere in life.
2) Benefits
Now I know it is not possible for every employer to provide benefits. If your employer cannot, they should at least pay you enough where you can purchase your own. Out of pocket medical, dental and prescription costs can destroy you. If you develop a chronic condition, you are euchred. In my opinion, these things should be covered by our provincial government, but until the day they are, you must look out for yourself. Make benefits part of your interview questions.
How Important are Employee Benefits in Recruitment? – The Balance
3) You are part of a team
If you are joining an organization that has no team atmosphere, run for the hills. The vibe at a place of employment comes from the top down. If there is no “team,” then that means everyone is out for themselves. If that is the case, do you really want to be part of “The Lord of the Flies.” It could be your head on a sharpened stick by the end of it. Great leaders promote a great team atmosphere and if that doesn’t exist it will devolve into every man for himself. You don’t want politics at work, you want a team.
4) You provide value and are valued
There is something to say about being valued. In order to be valued, you have to provide value. This ties into the team atmosphere part. You bring your heart and soul to the team and therefore should be recognized for it. I have never been one for trophies or ribbons, but I am all for not being nitpicked by people who clearly can’t do what I do. Understand the value you bring to the table and what type of worth you should feel in return. If you get shit on after a 12-hour shift, that should tell you something.
5) The role makes a difference and so do you
This is a tough one. For those of you with jobs and not careers, it is hard to see how making a latte makes a difference. How I counter that, is by letting people who do those service positions know that they do make a difference in my day. The smile behind the counter is always a great part of my day so for those of you who feel you do menial work, know you are part of someone else’s day and we appreciate it. For those of you are in the trenches helping people every day, god bless you. Our nurses, firemen, policemen, PSW’s, child and youth workers and countless others are miracle workers. These men and women work their butt’s off, so people like me can have a better life. Strive to find work that makes a difference in others lives and you will be fulfilled. It might be hard to find a balance between compensation and fulfillment, but it is a worthwhile cause.
Want to be richer in 2018? Get Started Now! – Budget Boss
6) It challenges you
One thing I love about my job is that it is very challenging. I have to constantly be learning, researching and understand people’s situations to make sure what they are doing for their future will actually get them there. Having a career that challenges you will keep you engaged, motivated and content. There is nothing worse than going through the motions, so look for something that will take all your efforts.
7) You are satisfied
It is a terrible feeling to work a long hard day and go home miserable. In fact, I have worked at places where the second I walked in the door I immediately felt like crap. Weird how a mood can change that quick. You have to remember that you are dedicating a huge portion of your life to work, and satisfaction should be part of it. Your efforts should be respected, appreciated and properly compensated. If this is not the case resentment will build and the work will suffer.
8) Fits your personality
I don’t know everything, but I do know I am a great bartender. Now I am not talking about mixing the perfect Manhattan or shaking the best martini, I am talking about giving the guests what they want. I love gabbing with people, learning about them, cracking jokes, talking trash and overall just being a surly worker. Luckily for me, I have found other work that fits that personality. Not everyone is meant to do everything. Finding work that fits your personality isn’t easy and often you only know when you get there. Some people are best suited in a cubicle all by themselves, others work better in a group. Find something that showcases the best parts of your personality and you will flourish.
9) Trust
I honestly feel like this should be the first and last item on this list. Working for someone who does not trust you is infuriating. It makes your efforts feel worthless. It makes your intelligence seem minuscule. It makes your tenure seem meaningless. You have to work for someone that trusts you, but you also have to earn that trust. It is like any relationship; If there is no trust, it will not work. If you have been there several years and there still is no trust, the situation needs to be evaluated.
Seven Policies That Signal ‘We Don’t Trust Our Employees’ – Forbes
10) You love to do it
This is a tough one. There is always a love-money balance that we all battle with. We may love to play with puppies all day, but does that pay the bills? For those of you lucky enough to get paid well to do something you love, congratulations. For everyone else, strive to find a well-paying job doing something you love to do. I understand that it isn’t always possible, but it is worth a try. If you do something you love, you will never work a day in your life. It’s true!
Finding the right mix of pay, trust, enjoyment, and fulfillment is a tough task. It will require a lot of effort on your part, but it is important to understand why you do it. You will more than likely dedicate 40 plus years to working. The average life expectancy is just over 80 years now, so half your life will be working. With that sort of timeline, finding a good fit is definitely a worthwhile endeavor.
Thanks for tuning in as we begin Career Week here at Budget Boss. Don’t forget to join us tomorrow as we discuss getting yourself work ready. Feel free to message me at joe@budgetboss.ca if you would like to talk about your personal budget. Have a great day Bosses!
“My career is a journey for me, and any journey is incomplete without the struggle.” – Yami Gautam
Email – joe@budgetboss.ca
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