JOB DECISION GUIDE
How do I know if a job is actually worth taking?
Short answer: a job is worth closer consideration when its expected contribution per productive hour meets your business target and the scope, payment terms and risk are acceptable.
Start with expected contribution
Expected contribution = selling price − direct job costs
Then divide that amount by the productive hours you expect the job to consume.
Contribution per productive hour = expected contribution ÷ expected productive hours
Compare the result with your target
If the job falls below what your business needs to produce per productive hour, you may need to raise the price, reduce the scope, improve efficiency or decline it.
Money is not the only risk
Also consider unclear scope, difficult access, long travel, unusual materials, slow payment terms, warranty exposure and whether the work blocks time that could be used for stronger jobs.
A full schedule can still be unprofitable
Taking every available job can create revenue while starving the business of healthy contribution. The objective is not maximum busyness; it is sustainable profitable capacity.
Use your own numbers
JJL Business Tools turns these ideas into practical targets using your actual costs, time and income goals.
Open JJL Quote Guard