The world of work is dotted with numerous instances of career switches at virtually all levels of work. It is also very common to see an employee exit one company to join another. A multiplicity of factors accounts for this turn of events. While some career moves have had an unhappy ending, others have in the long-run proven to be the best possible move under the circumstances. I have put together some critical factors that will help you navigate through crucial career choices you may have to make at one point or the other.
Jobs hazardous to your health
But for money, many existing and potential employees throw caution to the wind in their job search. You should never place your job or career over and above your health. If your current job is proving hazardous to your health, you ought to devise an exit plan. At some point, I had to quit my job as a Data Entry Specialist with a prestigious telecommunication company principally because I discovered some of my roles were taking a toll on my health. The nature of the job required that I make calls frequently and soon I began to experience incessant headaches, ear aches and blurred hearing. That I had bills to pay didn`t stop me from calling it quits since my health was of paramount importance to me. Some employees have been injured and sometimes permanently scarred in their line of duty. Others have been under intense stress, depression, and have developed life threatening ailments as a direct result of the jobs they committed to. This should not be your story.
Jobs that pay less
Many low paying jobs are advertised daily; in most cases, these are demanding jobs and ordinarily should attract better pay. Some companies choose to pay low salaries or wages such that, the pay some employees receive at the end of the month (including incentives), fall below the cost the employee incurs in accepting that job offer; expenses on just transportation could take a chunk of the employee’s salary. Why accept a job offer or remain on a job that makes you run at a loss? It is wise to make financial gains (or at least savings) from your job, as oppose to financial losses. Think twice if you find yourself in such a situation. I wouldn`t keep such a job; it simply isn`t worth it.
Illegal jobs
Some jobs are globally considered unlawful and consequently punishable when the long arm of the law gets a hold of culprits. Jobs such as robbery, kidnapping, drug trafficking, human trafficking and the like. Interestingly, some of these illegal jobs pay very well and individuals engaged in such jobs live large for as long as they are not caught.
Worth-noting is the fact that, some jobs that may be considered illegal in a particular jurisdiction or country may be considered legal in another. For instance, prostitution and pornography are considered illegal in Ghana but legal in the United States of America. In Ghana, there is such a thing as illegal small-scale mining. The caveat is: avoid illegal jobs per the laws prevalent in your place of domicile; avoid it at all cost.
Jobs at odds with your moral values
We all have certain standards we uphold, conditioned by our environment, upbringing and religious affiliation. Whereas some individuals and groups of persons may see absolutely nothing wrong with jobs such as prostitution, pornography, operating night clubs, carrying out abortions and the likes, others see such jobs as morally bankrupt. If ever you are offered a job that conflicts with your moral standards, flee. You certainly have no business taking that job offer merely for incentives you may be privileged to have.
Jobs that conflict with your religious beliefs
Some institutions and jobs are principally religious in belief systems, agendas and modus operandi. I see no reason why the non-Christian should not apply for a job at a Christian Institution. If that person is willing to subscribe to the belief system and practices in that environment, they should apply!
However, one should not put themselves through such hassle if their religious convictions are in conflict with that of the institution they work with or seek to work with. That you need money does not mean you should support a religious vision and mission you do not subscribe to.
Jobs that rob you of time with family
Some employees work seven days a week and for much of the day; they leave for work at dawn and return home late at night, fatigued and stressed. Of course, some of such jobs are well-paying jobs and help workers afford the luxuries of life. While workers in such jobs climb the corporate ladder, their families suffer. Before they know it, their children have become wayward and their marriages are on the rocks. Why chase after money, only to lose all that is dear to your heart; your family. If your job wouldn`t give you time for family and friends, you should consider some kind of adjustment.
Jobs that make you miserable
Some employees work at jobs that constantly make their lives miserable and a living hell. They simply hate the jobs they do but only keep those jobs because bills have to be paid somehow. They work at these offices, but desperately long for a better alternative. I remember when during my national service as a staff member of a Junior High School, a particular hardworking teaching staff resented his job so much. This man frequently blamed his dad for pushing him towards that career path. Soon, it began to tell on his output. Before I was through with my service, he had quit the teaching profession and gotten a job with a government agency. If your job makes you miserable, consider a new career path or job as soon as possible. It is wise to quit your current job only when you have acquired one you truly love and are passionate about.
Jobs incompatible with your temperament (s)
I am naturally introverted and consequently averse to jobs that require high mobility and frequent client contact. I love to work behind the scenes and love jobs that require relatively few client contacts and mobility. I remember accepting a job offer barely four years ago as a Direct Sales Representative with an ICT Company which required that we meet certain weekly prospecting targets and monthly sales targets with specific focus on companies. As a naturally introverted person, I could not make head way, as much as I tried; I found this job very frustrating and had to eventually tender my resignation. It is important to note that employees with requisite knowledge base and skills-set may be productive in one job and unproductive in another, because of the differences that exist in the job and employee temperaments and aptitudes.
In making career choices, give some thought to the issues raised above. They may prove a significant help to you in arriving at career decisions you can be proud of someday.
Written by Daniel Dela Dunoo
(Writer, blogger, professional marketer)
