What Are the Most Important Factors in Choosing a Job?

[carsensejoe]

the most important questions are do you like what your doing? and is it paying enough?

[Aleta]

It depends on where you are in life and your age. For some people where one spouse already had a good health insurance program, that benefit may not be as important. You may be looking for better pay to contribute to the household income. There are also those that health insurance is more important than the money that they make. It just depends on where you are at the time and what your particular needs are.

[Saving in So Cal]

When I first started in my current career, I was terribly afraid of landing in a "dead-end" job. So, I looked for jobs with solid employers, good wages/benefits, and the potential for upward mobility. I usually found myself disappointed in all three respects and I had to work long hours, too.

I took about 18 months off when I had my daughter -- just enough to know that I still wanted to work, but could not devote the same amount of energy to my career as I had in the past. So, I looked for a job that played to my strengths and wouldn't require long hours (i.e., a dead-end job). My current job fit the bill. I thought I'd be bored within a few months, but it turns out to be the best job I've ever had in terms of job assignment, pay/benefits, employer, and co-workers. Although there isn't much upward mobility, I don't find that to be much of a priority at this stage in my life.

[shengmei]

Well, after literally being a starving student for so many years, I would consider the salary first. Even if I hate my job, I will still feel better knowing that I can finally afford the convinences in my life that make the parts of my life that are outside my job more enjoyable.

I desperately need to pay off my student loans--fast, and I am willing to suffer even the most hellish jobs in order to provide some kind of financial stability for my family.

[carsensejoe]

flexibility is awesome money is a necessity

[papakron]

I have stressed out a great deal on this topic, but things are looking up. A little background information-

I'm 21, and got a union job through a family member right out of high school. At first, it was great worknig the graveyard shift with a bunch of other people the same age, goofing around, etc. After a year or so, I began really resenting the job. The people I'd socialized with either quit, or ended up betraying me due to the fact I received a 'Letter of Recognition' for my work (looked down upon by bitter union employees).

Anyways, I left to start an apprenticeship which only paid 12.00 an hour, but decided it wasn't what I wanted. I was foolish to go back, but the company took me back with open arms with no loss of seniority. The job as good benefits, pays near 20.00/hr and is VERY easy work (but monotonous, uninspiring, and unfulfilling.)

I just got a new job offer to start next Monday, and my boss has given me time off to try it out (he's a stand-up guy, too bad I can't say the same for the job). There is room to move up, and after I put in my hours can be making over 28/hr.... at my age! I'm ecstatic, and looking forward to the challenge.

[carsensejoe]

if u can smile all day come home smiling and make enough to be free of money worries thats a dream job

[carsensejoe]

yo papkron,
keep on chugn youve got a cool boss check out this new job maybe you'll like it if not maybe another will come along... all the while you keep getting your hours in at the union and get raises...if your not happy go to school in the daytime for something u have interest in and take that up