There are 7 questions that you need to answer positively before deciding whether or not to take a new job offer, transfer or even promotion.
1. Do you look forward to taking the job?
This is the gut check. If it feels wrong, stop right here and run from the offer. Friends have talked themselves into taking a job that they intuitively knew they shouldn’t, which never works.
2. Do you like the people and culture?
Do you like, trust and respect the people you met and the processes they use to make decisions and get work done?
3. Are you confident you can do a good job of what they need?
Would you hire yourself to accomplish what they need to get done?
4. Is it better for your family?
Is there less pressure, time, commuting, and/or travel? Is there more flexibility and/or vacation?
5. Does it point your career in a better direction?
After you’ve been in this job for a couple of years, will you be more marketable?
6. Do you understand and can you mitigate the risks?
Have you determined what risks are inherent in the job and company (there always are risks) and made a plan to reduce them?
7. Will you grow in this job?
Will this job challenge you and require that you continue learning?
The first 7 questions determine if you will like what you’re being hired to do and whether you think you can be successful, both immediately and in the future.
Of course, there is one more question:
8. Does it pay more?
As long as you’re currently employed and making a living wage, the salary/financial package is the least important question on the list.