This or That? 4 Questions You Need to Answer Before Deciding Between 2 Good Job Opportunities

You have the best type of choice to make: deciding between two amazing jobs. Quite the predicament, right?

While some people might be envious of this conundrum — it’s a dream scenario, after all — it really is a challenge. How do you make the choice? Start by asking yourself these four questions.

1. Which company matches my values more closely?

Surrounding yourself with “supportive and smart people” is a critical measure to take as a professional, Ellen Malfliet wrote on the Fairygodboss Community Feed.

Yes, company culture plays a key role not only in how well you do in your but also in how much you enjoy working there. Moreover, it will affect collaboration and productivity; if you mesh well with the culture and it’s a good fit, you will engage more readily in your work.

2. Where would you feel safer?

Feeling safe in your work environment is “hard to find,” according to Bex, an Fairygodboss'er. This goes for job stability, as well as the nature of the workplace. You can’t predict what will happen to a business long-term, but you can take notice of the signs that indicate how a company is doing currently and whether they seem to be ramping up hiring — or not. 

You can also assess whether you feel safe from an emotional and psychological perspective. For example, does the company seem inclusive? Does it focus on DEI efforts? Does it prioritize employee well-being?

3. How do the benefits compare — and how much do they matter to you?

Compensation matters, but the benefits an employer offers matter, too — and they can even help compensate for a lower salary.

“I wish more people would look at the whole benefits package!” Kelly Butz wrote. “I have an entire chart of every benefit and the yearly and monthly value of each.”

“You need to look at the entire compensation package when considering a job change,” Kris agreed. “Salary is just one piece of that pie. People underestimate how much these items truly cost until you factor in what it cost to replace these.  You might just find a big chunk of what you gained in salary is just a loss of benefits.”

4. Which job would offer you your career growth opportunities?

“I have no idea which job you should be in — only you can decide that,” wrote Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant. “You have every right to be happy and fulfilled in your job — whatever you decide that means to you. It is your responsibility — and no one else's — to watch out for your career and make the best choices for you.”

At the end of the day, where will you thrive? That’s the job where you belong.

What's your no. 1 piece of advice for deciding between job offers? Share your answer in the comments to help other Fairygodboss'ers!

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