| > | | | | ability to work? |
| When looking at a new job opportunity, we all try to | | | | If any of these factors could come into play, you |
| determine whether our skills fit the position. But just | | | | should narrow your job search criteria to companies |
| as important is the question of whether the company | | | | with favorable family and medical leave policies. In |
| fits you and your life needs - now and into the | | | | fact, depending on the state in which you live or |
| foreseeable future. Read on to discover more. | | | | want to work, you might have to knock smaller |
| As job seekers and resume writers, sometimes it's | | | | businesses off your list of options. |
| easy to get caught up in the details of job postings: | | | | Small businesses take a big hit when one of their |
| responsibilities, job descriptions, and education levels. | | | | workers goes on leave. So not only are they |
| After all, your resume has to reflect how you'd rise | | | | cautious about hiring someone who may have a |
| to the occasion, if you land the job. | | | | family or medical leave situation, the potential for |
| Here's a reality check: When you're looking for a new | | | | friction and stress is much higher. And the medical or |
| job, it's not just about how you'll fit the position. It's | | | | family leave situation is bound to be stressful enough |
| also about how the company will fit you. | | | | as it is. |
| For example, Massachusetts may soon require all | | | | Of course, family and medical leave is just one kind |
| companies, regardless of size, to offer 12 weeks of | | | | of benefit. You might want to consider how other life |
| medical or family leave as one of their standard | | | | events and career goals will affect your search. The |
| benefits. (If they don't already, by the time you read | | | | opportunities for reimbursed career education, |
| this.) | | | | retirement benefits and 401(k) matching, health |
| A company's policy on medical and family leave may | | | | dental/vision/life insurance, vacation, flexible work |
| be important to you for a number of reasons. If | | | | hours, telecommuting, and dozens of other potential |
| you're thinking about a career change, consider this: | | | | job benefits can have a profound effect on your |
| What could reasonably happen in your family during | | | | career (and life) satisfaction. |
| the next five years? Ten years? | | | | So take some time out of your job hunting to decide |
| Stop to think about some of the major life issues. Do | | | | for yourself what you'll need out of a company - not |
| you have an elderly parent who could require | | | | just for your quality of life, but the quality of your |
| additional care? Are you thinking about having or | | | | future. It's one more key to a happy and successful |
| adopting a child? Have you had a history of physical | | | | career transition. |
| or mental health issues that might affect your future | | | | |