Receiving a new job offer is no small accomplishment. No matter what the position is and whether it’s your ‘dream job’ or not, it’s certainly something worth celebrating. But after you’ve given yourself sufficient time to soak it all in, you have to face the reality of deciding if it’s truly the right fit for you. 

Some new job decisions are easier than others. However, even for those ‘no brainers’, you should stop and think about what life will be like once the excitement of the honeymoon phase inevitably wears off. If you’re going to dread going to work every morning in a few months, it’s definitely worth it to keep hunting. Here are five questions you should ask yourself before accepting any potential job offer. 

  • Is the company culture a good fit for me? 

The role may be the perfect fit. The day-to-day workload sounds exciting to you and it comes along with a fancy title that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world. That’s great news! But is it enough? 

Company culture has a much bigger impact on a person’s career than they may initially think. It’s also one of those things that’s hard to pinpoint. Do your due diligence by researching everything you possibly can before making the commitment.

  • Am I being compensated fairly? 

Money isn’t everything when it comes to a new job, but it certainly is a factor you should take into consideration. Behind all the bells and whistles that are likely built into the contract, how much will you be pocketing, and do you think that matches your worth? 

Unfortunately, many inequalities still exist when it comes to salary – especially for minority groups. If you feel that this is the case, negotiate your way into a package that you’re more comfortable with. 

  • What does my potential trajectory look like at this company? 

It may feel weird to think about the next steps before you’ve even walked through the door, but it’s important to think about long-term development when it comes to a new job. A good way to evaluate room for growth is to consider current employees’ paths. If there’s been substantial internal upward movement, that’s a great sign. 

  • Am I making any sacrifices to work for this company? 

A lot of big decisions come along with certain sacrifices. Maybe you have to relocate or give up a benefit or two. It’s not the end of the world to make a sacrifice, but ask yourself, is it something you’re willing to do? 

If it’s helpful, write out a list of the pros and cons of the position. Take an overly critical eye when it comes to the cons. Envision your life down the road once you’ve gotten into a routine with your new job. When you picture that life, is something missing? Do you see yourself wishing you were in your hometown or missing out on an opportunity? If so, you may want to reconsider or renegotiate the position to better fit your needs. 

  • How will my work-life balance change in this new position? 

Work-life balance is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing. Much like company culture, it can be hard to predict exactly what this balance will look like once you actually get into the role. But you can get a sense of it by reflecting on additional responsibilities and deadlines that you may be taking on. Consider your own boundaries and whether the potential for this role to cross the line. 

Once you’ve thoroughly thought through the opportunity and made your decision, it’s time to finalize things. Either way, take a moment to celebrate before moving on. A job offer is a big feat, whether you accept it or not!