Whether you're pursuing a different role in your current company or searching for a new job entirely elsewhere, the New Year brings about excellent opportunities to further your career development.

However, a job move is never something to be taken lightly – and it is important to consider the many pros and cons of a new role before taking the plunge.

Here are our top 7 things to consider:

1. Develop a Work / Life balance

Companies promoting remote working and flexible working have become increasingly popular in recent years, where they’re often seen as must haves in the workplace.

If you have life commitments that require a healthy work / life balance, it’s important that you discuss how achievable these things are before accepting a new role. Some companies have formal systems in place where employees agree targets with managers for achieving their ideal work / life blend – finding time perhaps to train for a sporting event. Others favour a more informal approach that relies on trust and the agreement of your line manager.

2. Do your research!

For many of us our financial situation strongly influences our job decision making, yet it’s not just about the number on your payslip or which job pays the most. It’s about quality of life and feeling valued as an employee. You may also wish to consider pensions, flexible working and benefit schemes such as childcare vouchers and season ticket loans - as they all add up!

A quick search on Indeed or Caterer can assist with ensuring that the role is inline with general market conditions. And why not make use of a Tax Calculator, because after statutory deductions, a £5k pay rise may seem less attractive - Break the figures down to your monthly take home pay to weigh it all up.

3. Consider your long-term goals

In today’s job market, no position is forever. Even if progression isn’t important to you now, it might be later, so it’s always a good idea to get a feel of the opportunities out there! It is also crucial to evaluate how a role will position you for the future - Whether it is looking at career progression within that organisation or how working for a potential employer can be an enhancer or destroyer on your CV.

If you are looking to climb the career ladder, do research the potential advance opportunities before you accept the job offer. 

4. Choose the right company culture

It’s important for you to understand the culture of the company you are seeking to join, as a great culture can really make a role. Alternatively, a negative one or one that doesn’t reflect your own culture or ethics, can break a role.

Many people have stated company culture as a main catalyst for a change of employment, therefore it should be a key consideration when weighing up any role. Company review sites like Glassdoor can be helpful at getting an insider view and seeing if the company really does do what it says on the tin!

5. Is it worth the commute?

It may seem like a small thing – but it can make a huge difference to your daily routine, lifestyle and ultimate job satisfaction. Commuting to work is one of the most underestimated factors people consider when they accept a new role. Adding on time to your commute may mean you’ll have to get up earlier, get home later and deal with increased travel costs, which can lead to an increase in levels of stress and tiredness.

Where public transport is involved, use apps such as Citymapper to give you a realistic overview of time and routes.

6. Get to know your potential manager

Some roles look great on paper…until you meet your direct line manager. A great leader can make a job rewarding but a bad manager can make even a dream job stressful. As your direct manager will have the most influence on your day-to-day work life, make sure you research them, such as looking at their career history on LinkedIn to get an idea of their stability and rise. You will also see who they are connected to and you may find that you are connected via one of your own contacts, who you can ask advice on their character / management style.

Do also make sure you have met them prior to accepting the role. This should happen through the natural course of the interview process but if it doesn’t do always feel you can ask to meet them before accepting the role. A good employer will always respect this request.

You should consider all of the above when deciding whether to accept a job offer and always prioritise what is important to you. Comparing your potential role to your current one is often the most useful way forward and by using Off To Work’s RATE MY ROLE matrix you will get a clear list of what is most important to you.

 You may find that your current role is the one for you, or maybe it’s time for a change!

*When considering your next step on the career ladder, do also take the time to carry out a hospitality industry "health check" to make sure your sector is stable. If it is in a period of growth, it is likely that career opportunities will match that!