Salary vs. job title: How to decide which matters more

Salary or job title: which should carry more weight? The more pragmatic might prefer the certainty of a fixed paycheck, but those with lofty aspirations might value a job title that gives them room to grow.

With the exception of self-explanatory job titles, especially those with specific keywords such as ‘Head of Department’, ‘Director’, or ‘Lead Programmer’, which typically come with appropriately high salaries due to the seniority and expertise required, it can be quite a toss-up between the two.

That said, it’s also important to consider the size and track record of the company in question. Startups, for example, tend to dish out high level titles such as Chief Technology Officer, or Chief Marketing Officer, and the more colourful variations such as ‘Director of Dollars and Cents’ or ‘Social Media Wizard’, etc to fairly young candidates. That’s all good and well, assuming the company is actually turning a profit.

Startups, while dynamic and progressive, and generally more exciting to work with, also tend to fail within the first few years if not managed properly. So tread with caution if it’s a fairly young startup or new business within its first few years of operation. One way to assess the company’s integrity is to look up company reviews by current or previous employees. Always good to hear it from those on the inside.

That aside, what other factors should you take into consideration when trying to decide between a job that pays more versus one with a grander job title?

Here’s your 5-factor checklist to give you some perspective:

1. Priorities

Before you do anything else, first, get clarity of your priorities. A fancy-sounding job title is nice, but if it pays significantly less than option B, and you’re desperate for a cash infusion, the choice is clear. If, on the other hand, you’re financially stable and can afford a slightly lower salary with better long-term growth prospects, well, this would seem to be the wiser choice.

2. Motivation

Assuming that you’re not in dire straits and don’t particularly need a big pay rise, the next question to ask yourself would be, “What motivates you more?” We’re all driven by different motivations. Knowing what’s your key motivator will ensure that you remain enthusiastic and productive at your job.

Think about what excites you more—money in the bank, or greater responsibilities at work? Don’t settle for one over the other because that’s the conventional choice. Do what’s right for you.

3. The big picture

What does the future look like to you? Do you see yourself doing the same thing five years from now, at the same company, or do you see yourself in a high level management position? Alternatively, maybe you’d prefer to be running your own business?

Whatever it is, aligning your long-term career goals with your decisions will ensure that you remain on track to get to where you want to be over the next five years.

4. Instincts

However torn you might be between your options, if you search your feelings closely enough, you’ll be able to hear your instincts telling you which way to go. We often tend to suppress our instincts due to self-doubt and fear of making the wrong decision, but our gut is rarely too far off.

Scientific studies on intuition have proven that trusting our instincts often leads to better outcomes than trusting our logical, thinking brain. Deep down, you already know what you should do. You just need to believe in yourself.

5. Friends and family

It’s always a good idea to ask trusted friends and family members to weigh in. Ask them which option they think you should go for. You don’t have to take their advice, but getting an alternative perspective on the matter might help clear your mind and put things in focus.

They’ll know you well enough to be honest with you, but they’ll also be able to evaluate your options with a degree of objectivity, which is always important.

We trust that our 5-factor checklist will help navigate your decision-making process. Most of all, listen to your instincts and do what feels right. Sometimes we need to take a leap of faith to discover new horizons.

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