One of the first steps in career planning is setting expectations for your job. Setting high, yet realistic expectations can help you avoid disappointment later in your career. Of course everyone wants as much income as possible and salary is important, but true satisfaction with your work usually involves more than a good salary. There are many factors to consider and it is important to determine your deal breakers prior to your job search.

Salary is usually the first thing that comes to mind as a deal breaker in a job search. In terms of salary, it is important to keep in mind any bonuses, commissions or other salary incentives that may be offered in addition to a base salary. Consider the base salary versus the potential salary. Also consider how many hours per week are you willing to work. Can you or do you want to work overtime? If you are going to be paid an hourly wage you may want to find out if overtime is available. Some salaried professional positions, however, can require more than the typical 40 hour work week. You should find out what the norm is at the company for the position you are applying for and take that into consideration.

While salary is an important consideration for some, that is not the case for everyone. Lack of certain benefits can be a deal breaker for job seekers. Are you single? Do you have a history of health problems? Then you may value a good health care plan more than someone without a history of health problems or someone who can rely on their spouse's health care plan. Do you have children or are you planning to? If so, then you may want to consider benefits such as on-site child care and maternity leave. How close are you to retirement age? Retirement benefits such as a matching 401(k) account, stock options, profit-sharing and pension plans are important at any age. But if you are near retirement age, you may want a plan that enables you to maximize the amount of funds you can divert to your retirement account. Poor retirement benefits can be a deal breaker for job seekers.

Paid time off of work is another important consideration for some. Do you like to travel or take time away from work to regroup your thoughts? Then you may desire more than the standard two weeks that most companies offer. The amount of paid sick leave and personal leave that a company offers can also be a consideration. You should ask yourself how important paid time away from work is for you and take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to accept a position. In this case, negotiating for more vacation time can possibly compensate for accepting a lower salary.

A lengthy commute can be a deal breaker for a lot of job seekers, especially in large urban areas where it can be more time-consuming as well as more costly. You should ask yourself how long you want to spend in a car each day commuting to and from work and consider whether or not public transportation is available.

Lastly, there are many considerations in striking a balance between your work and your quality of life. Scheduling and flexibility are two considerations, especially if you have a family. Do you require a flexible schedule in order to balance work with family responsibilities? How about educational or training opportunities that can lead to advancement? Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or training opportunities that can lead to promotions. Room for advancement is an important consideration. Is there room for growth within the company? There are often more opportunities for advancement at larger companies than at smaller companies. Positions at smaller companies, however, can entail a wider array of tasks and responsibilities, which can earn you more experience in your position. The overall work environment can be extremely different at a large company with perks such as a fitness room, cafeteria and a larger social setting. Would you be more satisfied in a small or a large company?

Knowing your deal breakers and deal makers early in your job search can help you target the positions that are best suited for you and can lead you to the right choice when accepting a position.

If you are a current student or alumni of AIU Online and would like more information on how to transition from the Goal Setting workforce, please contact the Career Services Department at 877-701-3800 ext 15060 or careerservices@aiuonline.edu. If you would like more information on becoming a student with AIU Online, please contact the Admissions department at 877-701-3800.