Family Factors Influencing Career Choices
A person's family can have a huge impact as to why he accepts or declines a job offer. Family factors are often taken into consideration when it is time to choose a career. Although the job seeker can keep his own personal interests in mind, the decision is often based on what is best for the family as a whole. A good-paying salary will provide for the family, but other issues are just as important to determine what will be beneficial for the household in the long run.
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Finances
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The financial situation of the family has a huge impact on selecting a career, including how the money is budgeted for expenses and the amount of debt the family may owe for real estate, car loans or credit cards. According to Hoffman Brinker & Roberts, the average American household's credit card debt in 2007 was $9,840. Whether the credit card debt of the family is low or high, it is another expense that will affect the salary. If the family is financially stable with more than enough money to cover household expenses, selecting a job solely based on the salary may not be the highest priority compared to other factors, such as the enjoyment of the job, hours or location. However, if a family is struggling to pay its bills, the salary would be an important factor when choosing a job over the actual interest in the job. The salary of the chosen career would need to cover the rent or mortgage payment, car payments, gas, food, utilities, clothes, savings and family entertainment. When deciding on what career to choose, the job seeker should assess her family's current financial situation and determine which job will provide her with a salary that will meet the needs of her family, while working full-time or part-time hours. Although money should not be the only factor considered when choosing a career, it is an important one.
Child Care
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Although child care cost varies depending on the state, as of 2010, ChildCare.net states that daycare cost the average family approximately 20 percent of its income and on average, parents spend between $4,000 to $6,000 annually per child. For a family with four children under the age of five, that cost can be estimated at $20,000 annually. Whether the family has one child or five children, the cost of daycare can consume a large percentage of the take-home pay a month. For some households in which both parents work full-time jobs, child care is a necessity and must be calculated into the budget. Child care may also affect what hours the job seeker can work depending on the operation hours of the daycare. Take note of companies' benefits when choosing a career. According to the United States Department of Labor, "Some employers offer child care benefits to their employees and sponsor child care centers in or near the workplace. Some employers provide financial assistance, vouchers or discounts for child care or after school child care services, and others offer a dependent-care option in a flexible benefits plan."
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Medical Issues
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Some families have children who are often sick, or they are taking care of a sick parent or relative. In this instance, choosing a job that offers a generous benefits package versus a high-paying salary may be of more importance. Understanding the number of sick, personal and vacation time allotted upon the hire date is essential in case the child or the sick family member has an emergency and needs immediate assistance on a scheduled work day. Find out if the position offers other benefits, such as flex time. This will allow a more flexible schedule for unexpected emergencies, such as coming in late some mornings but staying later in the day to make up the missed time. Taking care of a family member who has medical and health issues may directly impact the number of hours the job seeker is available to commit to work. This can affect if a part-time or full-time career should be pursued. Considering employers that offer a flexible spending account may be beneficial for family savings. DebtGoal's website suggests that employees use a flexible spending account for medical costs through employers because with pretax income contributions, a family can save non-trivial amounts during a year. Job seekers can research the employers they are pursuing to see if this option is available.
Personal Obligations
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Personal commitments that are important to the family will have an influence on any career opportunities pursued. These obligations are often part of a regular routine and schedule and may stem from what the family deems as important based on their values, beliefs and interests. If a family is devoted to attending church regularly, a career that requires employees to work on Sundays would not be an option. Perhaps choosing a career that would even require some weekends would put restraints on other family obligations, such as regular outings, quality time, volunteer work in the community or the attendance of sports events and school activities. Choosing a career based on desirable hours and days would be an important factor for those looking to coordinate and balance their usual family responsibilities and priority with work.
Location
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The family's location is an issue when selecting a career because the distance between the home and the job will determine the commute's outcome. Other factors to consider in a daily commute include traffic, gas, mileage and tolls, as well as the travel time it will take to return home if there are any unexpected emergencies. The city and state where the family resides may also play a part in the number of jobs available. According to "The Best Cities for Jobs" on the Forbes website, the compiled 2010 list displays a pattern from previous years in which the smaller communities almost totally dominated the top overall rankings for the job market. It also states that Americans, as well as jobs, have been moving to smaller cities for most of the past decade. When making a career choice, relocation may be a beneficial option if the family is willing to move to where job growth and opportunities are progressing.
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