Starting a new job is extremely exciting, but if you don't plan well, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. Not only is the Greater Columbia Area a great place to live and work, but it's also unpredictable day to day. To give yourself the best chance at a long-term career, here's what to keep in mind.
The Traffic Can Be Rough
Traffic in Columbia is rough, and it seems to only get worse over time: it's vital that you find a job that's as close as possible to where you live, if not a job that's online. Although you can get used to these roads and drive like a pro, there are more accidents in this city every day than in any other city in South Carolina, so it's vital to be as careful as possible.
The Housing Is Affordable
The good thing about Columbia is that because it's a very spread-out area, there's a lot of housing that's far more affordable than the national average. This means that you can afford any of the Columbia houses for sale on a smaller salary. For those who are new to the area or fresh out of college, that makes this area far more livable.
It's vital that you get your credit score up and try to work somewhere for at least a couple of years before you try to get a loan for a home. It might seem like a good idea to get a loan and a house ASAP, but you might be able to lower your interest rate by waiting.
Ensure You Seek Competing Offers
Although an offer may sound good, if you don't have anything to compare it against, you could be leaving yourself trapped in a job that doesn't pay what you need and doesn't offer all of the benefits you could have grabbed elsewhere. Seek competing offers and don’t be afraid to bring up these offers to the other companies.
This will give you the chance to gain the best insight into what your perceived value is and can become a bartering chip to raise your salary to an amount you'd rather have.
Consider Your Future Growth
When a company offers you an interview for a role within the business, it’s vital for you to ask questions as well. Not only will this reflect well on you, showing that you're engaged in the process: but it will also give you the chance to get information that could affect your future there. Is there room for you to grow within this company? Will working in this position lead anywhere, or is it a job with no upward mobility? If it's a job that you love enough, you might not want to grow up from it: but some jobs require a promotion to be worth it. Ask before agreeing to work there.
Getting a Job Is Thrilling Regardless of Where You Are
Although there can be a lot of stress on your shoulders when you first start working somewhere: getting a job can be thrilling. Make sure to put your best foot forward and prove they were right to pick you.