Choosing the right industry: how to decide if a job is right for you

There are several questions to ask yourself before deciding if a job is right for you.

Start off with these:

1. Will This Role Allow For Your Current Lifestyle?

A factor to consider when deciding whether a role is suitable for you is if the job will allow your current lifestyle or the one you want to lead. Suppose that you have children at home? Or you’ve been recently married, and the prospect of children is on the horizon? Even if the role sounds like your dream job, ensure that it allows you to live the life you want.

2. Does The Role Offer Opportunities For Advancement?

Since we spend a remarkable amount of time in our place of work, it’s vital that we feel fulfilled and that our work makes us feel important or valued.

Tasked with the same work day in day out can become highly tiring, which is why roles that allow us to learn and do new things through career advancement are desirable so that you’re satisfied, new opportunities are created, and your productivity/engagement is boosted.

3. What is the salary like?

No matter how perfect a job may sound, your opinions on it may soon change if you’re unhappy with the salary. A competitive salary is a definite perk when choosing the right industry, as direct correlations have been drawn between employee satisfaction levels and employers that compensate their employees well. However, benefits and perks are also valuable. They might have even more importance to you than the amount you are paid for your work.

4. Is the job content interesting or challenging enough?

No matter how high-paying or prestigious a job role can be, if the content of the said role isn’t challenging or interesting enough, it can quickly become a chore, and you might find yourself job hunting before too long.

Ask yourself if the tasks involved with the job will engage the skills you enjoy utilizing, so you will be energized by the work and more likely to succeed in the position. Make a list of your most important skills and circle the ones which you have most enjoyed applying to past jobs, volunteer work, activities, and academic projects.

5. Is the job environment for you?

It may seem like a minor detail, but considering you’ll be spending 40 hours a week (or more) in your work environment, it should be one that’s good for your productivity. or prehaps you're more interested in a remote role than an on-site one, or vice versa. Take this into consideration.