In today’s volatile job market, changing jobs is an even bigger decision than it used to be. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to stay in your current job or to accept another position. Below are ten factors that should be weighed out in making the decision.

1. Wages – This is, of course, a very important factor. How much will you be paid? It is important, however, not to let this be the only consideration. At the same time, you must be sure that the amount you will be making at your job will be enough to support you. Overtime pay fits into this category. If one job or the other offers you a significant amount of overtime hours during the year, that can make a big difference in your annual wages.
2. Benefits – Health insurance, paid time off and disability benefits should be considered on an equal level with wages. Higher wages can easily be eaten up by higher health care costs. Vacation time is something that has a different value to each individual. Don’t forget to factor it in, if it is important to you.
3. Location – Will the change in jobs require a longer or shorter commute? Will your transportation costs be increasing or decreasing with the change? This too, will factor into your true net income.
4. Work schedule – Will you have the same type of work schedule with the new job? Will the hours be consistent or continually changing? If the schedule will be different, how will the hours affect your family life? There are lots of things to consider in this area.
5. Job duties – Every new job has a time of orientation and learning your new responsibilities. However, if the change is to a position totally different from your current one, are you certain you will enjoy and be capable of fulfilling these new duties? Will the new position be more demanding physically and emotionally?
6. Advancement potential – Which position provides you with a greater advancement potential? Sometimes it can be better to move to a lower paying position, which has potential for advancement, than to stay in one that will never change.
7. Job security –  With a new position, there is always the potential that either you, or the new employer, may decide that it isn’t working out. However, if you feel that your current position is not secure, for whatever reason, you may be better off leaving when you have the option to make the choice on your own.
8. Work environment – Do you enjoy the people you work with now or would you be happy to leave them behind? Co-workers can make a big difference on whether or not you enjoy your job. The physical conditions you will be working in makes a difference too.
9. Employer stability – This is a hard one to judge, but a very important thing to consider.To be in a stable position that is likely to still be there in a few years, can be a much better choice than one that you may get laid off from in a few months.
10. Relocation – Will the job change require relocation? If it does, how would that affect your family? Will there be cost of living changes due to the move, and will they be lower or higher in the new location? Do you have a home to sell, if you move? Another big area of consideration.

All these things need to be weighed out when considering a job change. The values that are placed on each item will vary from one person to another. What would be a good choice for one, might be a poor choice for another.