We all need to work in order to earn the money we need for life’s necessities. But in this day and age, it can be increasingly difficult to find a good job, let alone a job you actually enjoy and can excel at. Many people settle for jobs that are unfulfilling simply because they have bills to pay and a bad job is often better than no job. But the ideal would be to start a career where you can thrive and do what you enjoy while also earning enough for all of your expenses.

If you’re currently in the process of finding a job and are having trouble deciding where to put your roots, you’re not alone. There are countless people who struggle with their job search and end up finding nothing or being stuck in a job that simply isn’t a good fit. But that doesn’t mean a good job is impossible to find. You simply have to know what you’re looking for and set clear expectations.

A Job That Works For You

When deciding where to apply for work, consider what benefits the company offers and how well these will work for your needs. Set your expectations beforehand of what exactly you want out of your employee benefits and keep that in mind during your search.

One crucial factor in determining how a job will benefit you is taking a look at options for insurance. Not all companies or positions offer insurance, and some may only offer plans that cover very little. Inquire about what the position you’re looking into offers in regard to health insurance, dental, vision, and other plans or policies. Also, consider looking up the specific insurance plans the job offers to see if your current doctors and medications are covered.

You should also look into the company’s options for retirement. You may just be starting out in your career, but you should know what your options are for retirement sooner rather than later. It’s impossible to know what the future holds, but if it’s a possibility that you stay at this potential job long-term, you need to know what their policies are so you can be sure that it’ll be beneficial for you in the future.

Something else to look into is what growth opportunities the position offers. You don’t want to enter a low-level position that has no opportunities to move up at all. Ask any potential employers about growth opportunities and what positions would be available to you as you advance in the company. Know what your possibilities are and determine if that potential trajectory works for you.

The Vibe

It’s very important when deciding if you want to work for a particular company to get a feel for the atmosphere and energy of the workspace and the people at all levels of the company. Sometimes workplaces with great credentials can actually be terrible environments to work in because of low morale or general negativity. Try to scope out the type of environment the company facilitates and trust your intuition.

You should always research any company you’re thinking about working for. Not only can you learn a bit more about the practices and the actual work required for the job, but you can also get an idea of the company’s values and priorities. If there are certain principles that are very important to you which aren’t reflected in the company’s values, you’ll have to consider whether or not you’ll be comfortable working there.

There are many resources online that will give you some insight into certain companies or specific positions. See if there are any reviews available from current or former employees and read what they have to say about the work environment, management, and the work itself. Just keep in mind that not everyone will take the time to leave reviews, so you won’t be seeing the entire picture. However, it can still give you an idea of any potential problems you might face.

While you’re in the application and interviewing stage, pay close attention to how the supervisor or manager communicates with you. Note if they’re being respectful or dismissive and if they respond promptly and answer your questions fully. Though you haven’t been hired yet, the way the high-ups of the company communicate with you in this phase can be telling to how they will interact with you as their employee, so if you feel disrespected or like you’re being ignored, you might not want to work with or for people like that.

Put Yourself First

Not everyone has the privilege of being picky when it comes to choosing a job, but if you’re able, try not to settle for a job you can’t see yourself being happy and thriving in. This is your life and your career, and you need to remember to prioritize yourself.

Try to look for a job where you would be doing something you enjoy. If you genuinely like the work you’re doing it won’t feel as much like actual work and won’t be so draining. If you’re forced to do something you hate every day it’ll only lead to fatigue and quite possibly depression. Remember to think of yourself and how your mental health might be affected by any job you’re considering.

Before making a decision you should take a look at the workload and compare it against the pay you’d be receiving to determine if it’s an equal exchange. You shouldn’t settle for being paid little money for a lot of hard work. Also, consider if the workload that will be expected from you will allow for a proper work-life balance or if you would be left with very little time for your personal life in this job.

While you’re interviewing, never be afraid to advocate for yourself. If you feel you’re not being respected or taken seriously, speak up. If you feel you’re being offered inadequate pay or benefits, say so. Be firm but polite and never allow yourself to be taken for granted or else the same will happen after you’re actually hired.

Job searching can be a difficult and frustrating process, but if you know what you’re looking for and don’t settle for less, you can find a good job that could grow into a successful and long-lasting career. Good luck out there, and remember to do your research and think through your decisions carefully.