We’ve all been there, daydreaming about a heftier paycheck and all the possibilities it could bring. But before you leap into that new job offering a tempting 30% salary increase (or thereabouts), take a moment to ponder some important questions. While a fatter paycheck might be alluring, there’s much more to consider before leaping.
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First, ask yourself if this new job is a genuine step forward in your career trajectory. Could it fast-track your growth, propelling you years ahead compared to your current workplace? If the answer is a resounding "yes," you might be onto something great.
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Check whether this new role aligns with your passions and aspirations. Is it the kind of position you've always envisioned for yourself? Finding alignment between your professional goals and your new job can bring immense satisfaction and motivation.
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Consider the learning curve, too. Will the new job put you under the wing of a dynamic leader or in an environment where you can expand your skills exponentially? Learning and growth opportunities can be just as valuable, if not more, than a higher paycheck.
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And, of course, the most critical question: does this new job contribute significantly to your mental well-being? A toxic work environment or a crazy boss can quickly turn even the most enticing salary increase into a nightmare.
Pic: Midjourney
Now, let's talk about the situation in your current job. What if you're content and enthused, but the allure of more money beckons? The lure of extra cash in the next month or two is too tempting to resist, especially when you are due to get married, become a parent, or start your EMI journey. Here's where you need some caution.
The Pitfalls of Chasing Immediate Pay Bumps
That immediate pay bump might make you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot but consider the long-term consequences. Your new employer might roll out the red carpet with a hefty starting salary, but future raises might not match up. Over the next five years, you could earn less than if you had stayed loyal to your current job.
I’ve seen it happen in the news media. Some new players emerge with grand promises and fat wallets, only to struggle down the line. Salary increases become scarce or disappointingly small. In some unfortunate cases, pay cuts and salary delays become the norm.
Many former colleagues who once eagerly left for better-paying opportunities find themselves in regret and longing. The idea of returning home often proves futile, as their places have been filled, and the journey back is more arduous than they imagined.
Of course, there are exceptions, a lucky few who manage to navigate their way back. But even for them, catching up to their old colleagues’ salaries takes time – time that could have been spent building on their initial trajectory.
If you need to weigh the tempting raise against the potential pitfalls, remember this: Money is just one piece of the puzzle. Career growth, passion, learning opportunities, and mental well-being are crucial factors. If those boxes are ticked, then by all means, go for it. But if it’s just about the money, think twice.
The long-term might not be as rosy as it seems.
Think!
About Me
An international award-winning producer, I have steered over two dozen TV channel launches, rebranding, and refresh projects and produced thousands of hours of content for news and current affairs.