I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits.
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When times are challenging, it’s easy to tell yourself that you’ll take any job you can get. However, it’s generally wise to be prudent. Accepting a job offer can alter the course of your life. You may have to move to a new city and adapt to a new environment. Your future is also at stake. An unwise decision can be harmful to your finances, career, and happiness. Ask yourself these eight important questions before accepting a job offer:
1. Can I be happy here?
This is a very general question that takes all factors into consideration. It can also be a gut-level decision. There are job opportunities that just feel right, for some unknown reason. Others just feel wrong. Ask yourself if the overall culture and feel of the hospital system or practice are a good match for your preferences, needs, and personality.
2. Where is the hospital system or practice going?
Even practices or hospital systems headed for bankruptcy can have positions to fill. Educate yourself on the past and projected future for the hospital system or practice. Is it in a struggling market? Is the hospital system or practice suffering financial problems? What are the prospects for the hospital system or practice over the next 10-20 years? How have they weathered the current global pandemic?
3. Is my pay fair for the job description and my abilities?
This is the most critical factor for many job seekers. While money isn’t everything, it’s the primary reason 99% of us work. Most jobs pay fairly, but this isn’t always true. You should know what you’re worth and what the market is willing to pay. Is your job offer in line with the industry? Will the salary sufficiently meet your financial obligations?
4. Do I have room to grow?
Smaller hospital systems and departments can have limited opportunities for growth. This might be fine if you’re a younger, single physiatrist with the ability to move every three years. It might not be as feasible if you have school-age children that need more stability to thrive.
5. Are the benefits adequate?
Avoid only considering the salary. How much is the medical insurance? How good is the coverage? Is the 401(k)-program attractive? How much vacation time will you receive? How many years will it take to earn another week of vacation? Consider all of these benefits before signing on the bottom line.
6. Do I like my more senior colleagues?
A new job can be great in every other way, but a bad senior colleague can make your life miserable. The best senior colleagues are clear in their directions and have a mission to grow their junior colleagues for the next level. Ensure that you can work effectively with your new senior colleague.
7. Do I like my coworkers?
There are few positions that don’t require interacting with your coworkers. Ask to meet with the people that you’d be working with on a daily basis. Does it seem like a place with friendly, helpful people? You should already have a feel for the Human Resources department as well.
8. Will I enjoy living in this area?
A quarter of a million dollars a year might be enough to live like a king in rural Iowa, but you might find yourself struggling in Southern California. How do you feel about the climate and the people? Is there enough to do? If you love the city, living in the country might be difficult.
A new job offer is an exciting event. Few things can change your life more than a new job. Proceed cautiously and avoid focusing solely on salary. There are many other factors to consider as well, so ask yourself these eight critical questions before signing on the dotted line.
Having trouble staying positive during your job search or while building your practice? Check out our blog here to receive tips on how to stay positive during this challenging time.
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I’m Dr. Hassan, a Board-Certified Physiatrist and Independent Practice Owner. I help physiatrists start and grow their own profitable practices so they can achieve financial independence and live without limits. Follow me on social media @DrHassanRehab.