Oliver advises that the size and ownership of the company are two critical factors to consider. A family-owned table grape grower in the Valley is much different from a retail giant such as Costco. In a family-owned business, your boss is likely the owner or a son or daughter. While this may eliminate the bureaucracy of a larger public company and can foster long-term rather than bottom-line thinking, family businesses can be personality-driven and handle problem-solving and financials differently than in a typical corporate environment.
On the other hand, a family atmosphere often suits many employees. “We take care of each other,” says Cutler, whose family operates several interconnected businesses within Pennsylvania. “You’re not just an employee, you’re part of the family—that’s our biggest selling point.”
#7 – Am I Satisfied with the Offer?
Once you’re confident in a company’s prospects and culture, and believe the open position is a good fit with your skills and objectives, financial considerations come into play. “Do your own financial analysis so you’re not forced back to a job you don’t like for economic reasons,” Oliver counsels.
A substantial career change may bring less money initially, which has to be weighed against other benefits. “If you’re taking a position at a new company, in a new field, and have to learn new skills, it will cost any prospective employer a good amount of time and resources to get you up to speed,” says Horwitz. “This is why you must be prepared to make financial sacrifices if you plan on switching industries.”
It is also important to consider the entire package, including benefits, not just wages. “People today are especially interested in healthcare benefits,” observes Stoiber, and in some cases, are more interested in the benefits package than the actual compensation itself.
#8 – How Will the Move Affect Others in My Life?
Another consideration, though of lesser import to many, is how a new job may affect your ‘personal community’—including spouses or partners, children, parents, even close friends.
“Some people say they can afford to take a cut in pay or go on commission to get a better job, or that they’re ready to relocate,” Stoiber comments. “But make sure everyone involved in your life is on board.”
#9 – Have I Managed My Expectations?
Make sure you have a realistic view of your future job and employer. “The biggest issue when it doesn’t work out is that new employees don’t know what to expect,” Cutler says, especially in the produce industry. “They’re not prepared for the fast-paced environment,” Cutler explains, or “they don’t expect to work so hard. You have to think on your feet, and there’s a lot of manual labor and long hours.”
