High Salary Job or Good Employee Benefits?

Choosing a profession can be hard, choosing a job can be even harder. Today's job market is not all about salary, and people, whether young or old, should look at other aspects a company has to offer besides how much they will make in a given year.

Do not get me wrong, salary is important, but if you have a family, there are other things to consider when applying for and accepting a position.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions

-What type of medical insurance does the employer provide? What are the monthly premiums for me and/or my family members? What is the yearly deductable? What out-of-pocket expenses I will have to pay?

-Does the company have a retirement or 401K plan? Does the company have a percentage match, and if so, how much?

-Does the company provide stock options, and what are the requirements for investing?

-What is the company's policy on vacation, sick, and family leave?

-How many holidays does the company recognize a year? Is the office closed during holidays or is a 'skeleton crew' required? If so, how does this relate to the position I am interested in.

-How are raises, bonuses, and promotions handled?

-Does the company provide tuition or training reimbursement?

-Does the company have a signing bonus?

-How are reviews, discipline, and grievances handled?

-What would be my work hours? Are they flexible? Are any overtime hours required? Am I paid for overtime hours or compensated in other ways?

-Does the employer provide parking space or reimbursement? Will I be able to carpool, take the bus or train to the office?

Now that you have the answers to your questions, it is time to weigh the pros and cons. If the salary being offered falls below the standard guideline for the region in which you live (example: a yearly income for a registered nurse in New York City may be $70,000, but in St. Louis, it may only be $50,000), or what a graduate should be making, then consider the other benefits.

My Own Experience