The end of the holiday season is fast approaching which means it’s the time of year when we remember the year that has passed and ask ourselves ‘what do I really want out of these next 12 months?’

Because, when it comes to accepting new job offers or considering career opportunities, you always want to make sure that you’re trading up. Barring certain specific circumstances, no one wants to swap a decent, stable career for a thankless, undercompensated, emotionally-draining job, right?

So how do you know that you’re making the right decision? What are the red flags you should watch out for? What are the sure indicators that this new opportunity is the opportunity for you?

Spoiler Alert: it’s not money.

Yes, we know; easier preached than put into practice. Everyone’s got money problems, and ‘more money’ is always a solid argument, especially in today’s economy.

However, you’ve got to think long-term. You’ve got to think consistency and stability. If this opportunity cannot consistently meet your needs and requirements, it may be worth looking into other options. If it’s not a stable role or it can’t promise [professional and personal] stability, you may want to reconsider.

Ask yourself; “if I were to be stuck in this role for the next 5-10 years, would I be okay with it? Would I be more than okay with it?”

It’s pretty difficult to answer this question objectively since different people will want different things. We’ve got different values, different priorities, and different definitions of an ideal situation.

Luckily, there are five unchangeable factors you can consider in order to puzzle out whether the opportunity before you is worth looking into.

1. Your Gut’s Got Your Back

Alden M. Hayashi, Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review, stated in an article that, according to recent research, “emotions and feelings might not only be important in our intuitive ability to make good decisions but may actually be essential.”

Initial reactions count for a lot. Yes, we can be blinded by excitement or have certain biases but, in most cases, our intuition is raw and impartial. They know what’s up. Think back to how you felt during the interview: were you hopeful? Excited? Indifferent?

Your instincts can usually pick up on what’s best for you. Listening to them could help you bag the opportunity of a lifetime–or dodge a major bullet!

2. What’s Its Shelf Life?

How long are you going to want this job? What’s going to happen once the initial excitement wears off? Do you see yourself working for the same company five, ten years from now?

Remember; think long-term. Being offered a new position is new and exciting but don’t let your enthusiasm sweep you away. The grass always looks greener on the other side, so really have a think about what this “other side” can offer you before you jump that fence. Otherwise, you may find you went through all that trouble for not much pay-off.

3. Came For The Place, Stayed For The People

When considering a role, also consider the environment you’ll be staying in and the people you’ll be hanging out with.

Is the work environment comfortable and conducive to productivity? Remember that you’ll be spending 40 hours a week (or more) in that space. Do you see yourself as merely existing in that place, doing your job, or do you see yourself thriving?

What about the people? Don’t just think about your boss and direct superior; consider your co-workers and/or possible teammates. Think of the people you’ll be working with and interacting on a daily basis. Do you think you’ll be welcomed? Do you feel like you could comfortably and peacefully share a space with them and still do your absolute best? Or do they seem like the kind of people who would unwittingly distract you from your work?

4. Can It Sustain Your Lifestyle?

You’ve got to make yourself a priority. Adjusting your lifestyle to fit your work isn’t exactly the definition of work-life balance.

Yes, a modicum of flexibility is key. But if you’re going to have to make changes to your lifestyle that you don’t feel good about, you may need to take a step back and examine the position with a critical eye.

Here are some crucial questions to ask yourself:

• “Will I have to downgrade some areas of my life (living situation, monthly expenses, utilities, etc.) just to achieve this position, and will it ultimately be worth it?”

• “What will my stress levels be like with this new job?”

• “Will I have enough time and energy to focus on non-work aspects (friends, hobbies, extracurriculars, etc.)?”

If you feel good about your answers to all these questions, mark another notch in the YES column.

5. Ask Not What You Can Do For Your Company …

… but what the company can do for you.

This sounds selfish but, again; you have to make yourself a priority. Take a look at the opportunity and ask yourself; “is this going to benefit me?”

If you answered yes, consider the how. Will this position advance your career goals? Will it broaden your network? Will it help you build the right connections? Does it feel like you’re being paid to do something you love? Is this a dead-end opportunity, or is there substantially unlimited potential for growth? Does the company support and encourage continuous education and improvement?

At the end of the day, you’ve got to think about what’s best for you. Switching careers and/or accepting a new position isn’t something you can (or should) take lightly. Do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and always trust your gut.