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We are realists, we get it. We know that most people don’t generally go to work just for the fun of it (well, some of us do). Most people go to work for the paycheck and why not? There are bills to pay, events to attend, mouths to feed and adventures to have.

There is no denying that salary is a huge part of the consideration when it comes time to change jobs. But should it be the sole consideration? The answer certainly isn’t as black or white as a yes or no, but here is 5 other things that you should consider.

1. The Big Picture

When many people consider salary, they think of the bottom line. Base + Super. However, many companies are moving towards far more flexible structures that could actually result in more money in your pocket in the short or long term.

When considering any job offer or pay rise, have a look at its other inclusions such as:

  • Above standard super contributions
  • Bonus components
  • Salary sacrifice options
  • Use of company car / fuel
  • Extra leave options
  • Memberships
  • Allowances (food, living, rent etc)

Whilst many of the above won’t come across as bottom line additions to your salary, they will save you from spending your own cash meaning more money in your pocket at the end of the day.

2. Stimulation

Whilst extra money might be a good enough reason for staying in a job or taking a new role, it will not save you from becoming bat$#!t bored if the role you’re in is under stimulating. Your work is a huge part of your life, so if you don’t enjoy it or at the very least find it interesting then consider what that might do for your mental sanity and realistically, how long you are actually likely to stay in that role.

Particularly if you’re career oriented, a role that pays well but teaches you nothing new or doesn’t develop your skillset in any way could actually be detrimental to your career (and salary) in 5 years’ time. Again, think big picture.

3. Travel

There can certainly be benefits to a longer commute – many people use this time to do something they enjoy like reading, catching up on social media, organising their life etc. If you’re one of those people who love the commute to work, then good for you!

Even the most positively minded commuter however can recognise that ridiculously long travel times to and from work after a long period can become draining. So weigh up the ratios. Decide what is most important to you – less or more travel. Knowing this will be a big help in determining a career move.

4. Balance

There is a reason that there has been so much rhetoric about the importance of work / life balance around the office water cooler. The workforce in general has discovered that they’re not a bunch of automatons that want to spend their entire lives in the office. Instead, they actually require down time and social interaction to survive.

Okay, maybe this doesn’t apply to everyone. There are certainly some people who live to work. But, for the rest of us who work to live, take into consideration the working hours of any role you are either in or considering. Will your role allow you to find a balance or will it require consistently working overtime and keeping your nose firmly to that grindstone?

5. Happiness

Even if you think society’s shift towards balance and mindfulness is a bunch of codswallop started by pie in the sky dreaming hippies, you might still believe that happiness in your life and work life are important.

So consider, will the role add or subtract to your personal / professional happiness? This could include salary, balance, travel, stimulation, company values, professional development and many more factors. But if we spend a minimum of 40 out of 168 possible hours of a week at work, then shouldn’t happiness enter the equation?