Navigating Work Benefits: Our Favorite Reads

When I started applying for jobs after college, I had no understanding of what “benefits” were. I accepted the first job offer I received—no questions asked. It wasn’t until a few weeks in that I realized what I had agreed to. Wait, I don’t get health insurance? There’s no retirement plan? We don’t even have an office? Oh, the joys of startup life. At the time, I played it cool. I was getting paid to work in the field of my choice — what more could I possibly want? Plus, I could stay on my family’s insurance for a few more years, no one saves for retirement in their 20s anyways, and I love working from coffee shops! Luckily, as the company grew, so did our benefits. I eventually got health and dental insurance, a 401(k) with company matching, and my very own desk. By the time I was ready to apply for jobs again, I knew which benefits were important to me and what to look for in my next role. I wanted a higher salary, flexibility in work hours and location, great health insurance at a lower cost, a retirement plan supported by the company, and a good time-off policy. Of course, there were other benefits I cared about, but by identifying and prioritizing the ones that mattered most to me, I was able to find a job that matched my career goals and my values. Because of that, I’ve felt fulfilled and supported during my time here. When you’re eager to find a job, it can be hard to focus on the full benefits package of an offer. But please, learn from my mistakes. Make understanding and identifying the benefits that are important to you a priority. These articles can help you get started. Recommended Reads Does Your Employer Offer Fertility and Family Planning Benefits? by Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar Even if family planning benefits aren’t a top priority for you right now, it can be helpful to know your options for the future. How to Negotiate Your Starting Salary by Kelsey Alpaio Your salary is probably the benefit you pay the most attention to — but do you know how to negotiate it? What Are Your Personal Values? by Jennifer Nash It can be hard to decide which job benefits to focus on without first identifying your values. Executive coach Jennifer Nash shares three exercises you can do to help you learn more about yourself, your values, and where you want to go in your career. Negotiating a Job Offer? Here’s How to Get What You Want. by Kristi DePaul You salary isn’t the only thing you can negotiate when you get a job offer — there are so many other benefits you can ask for. Author Kristi DePaul shares a non-extensive list of possible benefits you can negotiate for besides salary. 5 Ways to Figure Out If a Job Is Right for You by Roxanne Calder When applying for jobs, take the time to know what the role will entail and how the organization will (or won’t) align with your values, potential, and future goals.

Navigating Work Benefits: Our Favorite Reads

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