Management Tip of the Day: New Job? Only Make the Sacrifices You Want To

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile NOVEMBER 20, 2012 New Job? Only Make the Sacrifices You Want To Every job requires giving things up, such as working long hours or spending time away from family. It's important when considering a new job to know which compromises you're willing to make: Learn what's really required. Ask the employer about hours and intensity. You may assume that a certain level of commitment is necessary when it actually isn't. Set specific guidelines. Identify the boundaries that will help you determine when to say yes or no. For example, you might decide you will always attend important events at your kid's school, or work late on business trips to free up weekends. Start a discussion. Based on the guidelines you've set, talk about hours, travel, and availability. Then listen to what your potential employer says. With this information in hand, you can decide whether you are prepared to make the necessary sacrifices. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Set Boundaries on the Sacrifices You'll Make for Work" by Bill Barnett. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job HBR Press Trying to figure out where you want your career to go — and get a job that'll take you there? That's no easy task in a fiercely competitive market. How do you clearly and convincingly define what you've got to offer to an organization? And how do you dig up realistic opportunities that match your skills and passions? Even if you've discovered exciting possibilities, you may face other obstacles. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Keep Your Team Small A Better Way to Brainstorm in Groups Maintain Control When Conducting a Job Interview Make Your To-Do List Work If You Both Work, Stay Happy Help Your Multitasking Colleague Break the Habit Manage a Challenging (and Valuable) Employee When Working Hard, Make Time for Rest Prepare to Answer Customers' Toughest Questions Make the Most of a Bad Job All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's 10 Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)