The day has come. You quit your job, but you know folding laundry won’t pay those bills. So you question whether you should polish your resume, maybe add a few job recruiters on LinkedIn, brush up on your interview skills, or just test the waters with that new job opportunity you got last week. Moving forward with a new position may seem empowering. However, it is crucial to review the entire process before accepting that new job offer. Doing so can ensure a more secure road ahead for both you and your family.

Why Do People Seek a Career Change?

It is not uncommon for one to yearn for a new professional endeavor. Sometimes that just means completely starting fresh. Several unique factors may have played a significant role in why you chose to take a different direction. 

Maybe you were facing problems with unemployment and frantically needed to make ends meet. Perhaps your boss did not acknowledge your ongoing efforts, or you were looking to escape your previous company’s toxic work culture. Whatever it was, you are not the only one who landed in post-resignation limbo. People choose to move forward for many personal reasons. Common reasons some individuals consider a new job opportunity include the following: 

• Career Advancement
• Increased salary 
• More compatible benefits
• In-office vs. remote
• Skill development
• Work-life balance
• Passion alignment
• Family support
• Personal reasons

The Value of Pausing to Reflect

Getting a new job may have seemed like the answer, but sometimes taking a step back to analyze the situation can bring the clarity you need and help prepare you for a roadblock in the future. If your position is damaging your mental health, reporting an issue to a human resources representative is an option. If going straight to HR seems intimidating, you can always document concrete evidence associated with employer mistreatment and build a case with an employment lawyer for resolution.

If you were being treated unfairly or were getting harassed in the workplace and chose to walk away, you can file a complaint through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They can assist you in determining if a particular action might be discriminatory. Remember, you have the right to: 

• Work free of discrimination
• Report job discrimination without punishment
• Work in an environment free from harassment
• Request workplace changes for your religion, disability, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
• Protect your medical information and keep it confidential

Workplace Stress and Poor Mental Health

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), your work environment plays a critical role in your daily life. The nature of your workplace has a positive or negative impact on your subjective well-being.

Research indicates that approximately 76% of U.S. workers reported facing challenges with poor mental health. Studies have also found that about 84% of respondents reported that the effects of their workplace are linked to one mental health problem. Research also highlighted that 81% of U.S. employees reported that they will be seeking new employment that supports mental health in the future. For that reason, aside from reviewing the compensation package, take time to understand the workplace culture, clarify the role and responsibilities, and factor in travel time for complete reassurance.

Assess the Company Culture Before Accepting a Job Offer

Knowing that poor mental health often stems from a toxic workplace, it is wise to take time to assess the new company’s culture. To start, look into their team dynamics and management style. You can research any company on employee review sites or company research platforms.

For example, pull up LinkedIn, check Glassdoor, or get on Reddit to read employee reviews about team dynamics and leadership. If you polished that resume and have an upcoming interview, turn the tables and ask how they handle team conflict. You can also question how they support work-life balance or diversity and inclusion as well. Other areas to touch on might include the following:

• Employee engagement
• Connection and community
• Protection from harm
• Work-life harmony
• Mattering at work
• Organizational success
• Stress levels
• Overall job satisfaction

Get Clear on the Job Description Before Accepting a Job Offer

Before accepting a job offer, even though your skills may match, don’t assume it is the right job for you. In other words, carefully clarify the role and expectations. Doing so can prevent surprises, problems, and a great deal of embarrassment directly after you start your new position. Ask yourself if you can see yourself completing the key responsibilities in the job description daily.

Don’t be afraid to ask a hiring manager, HR, or recruiter if they can walk you through a typical day at the office. See if they require specific skills upon onboarding or if they offer paid training. Check for hidden expectations. Will you be the new guy expected to wear many hats, or will you be working long hours?

Consider the Commute and Location Before Accepting a Job Offer

The drive before work can be the perfect time to rehearse that big speech for an upcoming meeting. You may like listening to music to set the tone before a hectic workday or having extra time to talk to your partner before disappearing from 9 to 5. The long commute back can make you feel as if you are running away from work or escaping the city traffic, too.

However, if you don’t want to wake up at the crack of dawn to get your day started, force yourself to meditate after being tested with road rage, or simply don’t want to stand at the gas pump for 5 minutes watching the pennies add up, the commute to and from work can be a major deal breaker for you. Therefore, take the commute and location into account before accepting a job offer. You might want to discuss whether your new role requires in-office attendance or yearly travel. Keep in mind, some companies offer remote work or a more hybrid routine to support work-life balance.

Thinking Carefully Before Making a Decision

If you feel safe in your work environment but are yearning to explore new opportunities for career growth, it may be best to review the details before accepting your new job offer. You want to make sure that everything is in perfect alignment with what you are looking for. Does accepting a new job offer improve or solve your problem? Does it support you or your family? Paying close attention to the details can ensure you do not make a mistake moving forward. Things to consider before accepting a job offer include: 

• Job role and responsibilities
• Base pay or salary
• Benefits package
• Workload expectations 
• Termination policies
• Job stability
• Travel/relocation requirements
• Relocation assistance
• Company’s Financial Health
• Family feedback
• The company’s mission and values
• Community involvement
• Professional development 
• Organizational management style
• Meeting requirements