To love, honor and provide career advice: survey finds spouses play a key role when evaluating new job opportunities - Job Market - Artículo Breve

Hispanic Times Magazine, Fall, 2002

MENLO PARK, CA -- Some of life's biggest decisions are those associated with work. It may come as no surprise, then, that in a recent survey, 42 Percent of executives said the person they were most likely to approach first for input when considering a job change is their spouse or significant other. Twenty-eight percent said they would consult a mentor. The survey was developed by Accountemps, the world's first and largest temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 150 executives with the nation's 1,000 largest companies.

Executives were asked, "Which one of the following people would you most likely approach first for advice when evaluating a potential job change?"

Their responses:

Spouse/significant other     42%
Mentor                       28%
Coworker                     13%
Friend                       11%
Other family member           5%
Someone else                  1%
                            100%

"Those with the most thorough understanding of your personal ambitions and professional goals are best suited to help you assess a career move," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies[R] (Hungry Minds, Inc.)

But regardless of whom you turn to for advice, Messmer says there are several important factors to consider when determining whether a position is a good fit. He offers the following tips:

* Size up the firm. Is the company financially stable? Are its values consistent with your own? Does the corporate culture appeal to you?

* Assess the job itself. Will you enjoy the day-to-day responsibilities? Are you likely to find the position challenging after several months? Will taking the job result in any significant lifestyle changes, such as a longer commute or increased travel?

* Look at the big picture. Consider the career implications--does this job fit into your long-term plan? Are there opportunities for advancement within the company? 6

Accountemps has more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe and Australia, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.