Should I Stay or Should I Go: How to Evaluate a Job Offer
Deciding whether to accept a job offer is about more than just the typical reason of a better salary. It’s important to understand why you are looking for a new job in the first place. While the excitement of a new opportunity can be tempting, taking a step back to assess essential factors that align with your career goals, financial needs, or personal priorities will help you make a confident and informed decision.
If you in the process of considering a new position or just starting to think about leaving your current organization, here's a framework to use during this process:
Step 1: Why Are You Considering a Job Change?
Consider the reasons why you want to make this change. Does it solve an immediate problem, challenge, or pain point in your current role? Or does it better align with your long-term goals? Be as specific as possible to get to the root cause. For example, if you’re looking for a salary increase, ask yourself: What does this additional income do for me? Is it about financial freedom, funding travel, or saving for retirement? Understanding this helps clarify your priorities and strengthens your willingness to negotiate when the times comes.
Step 2: What Is Most Important to You?
Determine the essential factors you should consider when evaluating a new job offer:
Compensation: Look beyond base salary. Bonuses, profit-sharing, and stock incentives could also help you reach your financial goals. If potential for quicker promotions exists, a lower initial salary may be worthwhile for long-term earnings.
Benefits: Assess benefits that are important to you such as healthcare coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, parental leave, or wellness programs. Will they meet your current or future needs?
Industry & Organizational Mission: Are you looking for an organization or industry that aligns with your values? Whether it’s a start-up, an iconic institution, or a mission-driven nonprofit, working in an environment that resonates with your passions can lead to greater job satisfaction.
Stability & Job Security: Consider the organization’s financial health, tenure, or market position. For example, if long-term stability is most important to you, an organization with a strong track record and low turnover may be a better fit than a start-up.
Work-Life Synchronization: Does the opportunity support your lifestyle? Consider factors like remote or hybrid work options, flexible scheduling, commute time, and family-friendly policies. A higher salary may not be worth it if these other factors negatively impact your well-being.
Growth & Career Development: Does the role provide leadership training, mentorship, or advancement opportunities that support your career goals? A job that aligns with your long-term professional aspirations will provide more value over time.
Workplace Culture: Culture plays a huge role in job satisfaction. Is it a priority for you to steer clear of a toxic work environment or find elements that complement your workstyle at it’s best? Look for signs of those elements such as a collaborative team, effective communication, DEI commitment, peer-to-peer relationships, organizational transparency and strong retention and recognition programs.
Step 3: What Is Non-Negotiable?
Identify which factors are non-negotiable and determine the minimum standard you are willing to accept. For example, if more income supports your travel goals, what is the minimum amount that will accomplish this? Then, prioritizing these non-negotiables to help you weigh one over another if you can’t have everything.
Step 4: Evaluate the Job Offer
Compare the job offer against your essential factors. Also, consider any new aspects the new offer may bring that might influence your decision. If an offer does not meet your non-negotiables, explore whether you can negotiate to improve it.
Step 5: Final Reflection
Once you have all the information, ask yourself:
Does this offer achieve your non-negotiables?
If not, how close does it get you? Are the tradeoffs enough compared to your current situation to make this change?
Are there consequences to accepting this offer that are worth considering when making this decision?
Would you be happy in this role and/or organization long-term?
Is there anyone you want to talk to about this decision before you make it?
Final gut check: What will you regret more, accepting or declining this offer?
Bottom Line:
The right job isn’t just about a paycheck—it can fulfill the current and future needs you may have personally or professionally. Taking the time to evaluate your motivations, priorities, and non-negotiables will empower you to negotiate for what’s important and ultimately help you make the best decision for your situation. Whether you accept, negotiate, or decline, knowing why you made your choice can help you move forward with confidence, no matter what you choose to do.