Why ‘Try Before You Buy’ Is a Smart Way to Choose Your Next Job

Selecting a new job is one of the most significant decisions a professional can make. Yet, many people rush into career moves that they later regret. The stakes are high—jumping into the wrong role can cost not just time and effort but also long-term satisfaction and growth.

To avoid this, career expert Robert Moesta, co-author of Job Moves: 9 Steps for Making Progress in Your Career, advocates a practical strategy: the “try before you buy” approach. This concept involves actively exploring potential roles before committing to them, offering professionals an opportunity to ensure alignment with their personal and professional goals.

The Value of Learning Before You Leap

According to Moesta, the essence of this strategy is to gain firsthand insights into a role before making a switch. “This is one of the most important things: learning before switching rather than after switching jobs,” he explains.

But how can professionals achieve this? Moesta suggests various methods:

1. Job Shadowing: Spend time observing professionals in roles you’re considering.
2. Side Gigs: Take on freelance or part-time work in your desired field to test the waters.
3. Informational Interviews: Speak with people already working in the roles you’re interested in.

By engaging directly with professionals, you can uncover whether a job’s daily realities align with your expectations and goals.

A Case Study: Defining What Matters

Moesta recalls coaching a woman who wanted to create a meaningful impact through ongoing relationships. She interviewed an ER nurse to learn more about the role. While the nurse highlighted her success in helping countless patients, the woman realized the job didn’t meet her criteria for building long-term relationships.

This example underscores the importance of clarifying your definition of success. For the woman, impact was about fostering deep, ongoing connections—not just immediate results. Through informational interviews, she avoided committing to a job that didn’t align with her values.

Common Mistakes in Job Searches

Too often, job seekers approach their search with a flawed strategy, which can lead to frustration and poor outcomes. Moesta identifies three key mistakes:

1. Playing the Numbers Game: Many professionals send out resumes en masse, treating the process as a game of probability rather than a thoughtful search for alignment.
2. Focusing on Titles Over Tasks: Job seekers often prioritize titles and compensation, overlooking whether the role’s day-to-day responsibilities energize them.
3. Neglecting the Social Aspect: Networking is critical in uncovering opportunities, yet many forget that most jobs are filled through personal connections.

To avoid these pitfalls, Moesta advises professionals to focus on what they truly want and to actively engage with their network to learn about potential roles.

How Employers Can Reduce Turnover

High employee turnover is a persistent challenge for many organizations. To address this, Moesta suggests that companies start by understanding why people joined their organization in the first place.

“Understand why people hired your company,” he advises. “What are the forces that caused them to say, ‘Yup, I’ll take this job’? Then manage with those forces in mind.”

By aligning organizational goals with employee aspirations, companies can foster mutual progress. This involves:

• Regularly checking in with employees to understand their evolving needs.
• Creating growth opportunities that align with individual and organizational goals.
• Encouraging open communication to ensure expectations remain aligned.

When employees see their progress reflected in their roles, they are more likely to stay and contribute meaningfully.

The Role of Tradeoffs in Career Decisions

One of the most overlooked aspects of career planning is the ability to make tradeoffs. Many professionals either remain stuck in unsatisfying roles or jump from job to job, chasing perfection. According to Moesta, this stems from an unwillingness—or inability—to make tradeoffs.

“Most people don’t know how to make tradeoffs,” he explains. “Every job has imperfect elements. There’s no perfect job.”

Instead of seeking perfection, Moesta encourages professionals to focus on progress. This means identifying what you’re willing to sacrifice to achieve your broader goals. For example:

• Are you willing to trade a higher salary for more flexibility?
• Would you accept a longer commute for a role that offers greater growth potential?
• Can you prioritize meaningful work over a prestigious title?

Understanding your priorities and tradeoffs is essential for making decisions that lead to long-term satisfaction.

Steps to Implement a “Try Before You Buy” Strategy

If you’re ready to take a more deliberate approach to your career, here’s how to put the “try before you buy” method into practice:

1. Clarify Your Goals: Identify what energizes you, the skills you want to develop, and the tradeoffs you’re willing to make.
2. Research Potential Roles: Explore industries and job functions that align with your goals.
3. Engage in Job Shadowing: Reach out to professionals in roles you’re considering and spend time observing their work.
4. Take on Side Projects: Experiment with freelance or part-time opportunities in your target field to test your fit.
5. Conduct Informational Interviews: Ask insightful questions to uncover the realities of the job and assess alignment with your aspirations.

By taking these steps, you can make informed decisions and avoid the regret of discovering a role isn’t right for you after committing to it.

Final Thoughts: Progress, Not Perfection

The journey to finding a fulfilling career is rarely straightforward. It requires self-awareness, exploration, and a willingness to embrace tradeoffs. The “try before you buy” approach offers a practical way to navigate this process, ensuring that each step you take aligns with your goals.

As Moesta aptly puts it: “Think progress, not perfection.” By focusing on progress, you can make thoughtful, strategic decisions that lead to a career—and life—that truly energizes and fulfills you.