Should you relocate for a job opportunity?
In this video, I share what you need to consider before relocating for a job opportunity including my personal experience doing so.
Relocating for a job opportunity is a big decision! Personally, I've done it numerous times.
Moving is a stressful process. I've moved various times when I was single and most recently with my wife and two kids. As you can imagine, these were totally different experiences.
Here’s what you need to consider before relocating for a job opportunity.
Is relocation necessary to accept a new job?
In today's very remote work-driven work world, it might not be. Many opportunities are being executed remotely.
If your goal is to advance within an organization or company, relocating to where the company is headquartered is beneficial.
For an entry or midlevel role, you definitely want to consider if relocation makes sense or if the role is something you can do remotely.
Is the job, role, or company a good fit?
Take a step back and think about your personal life:
Does the job fit well with your personal and professional goals?
Is this move a step in the right direction or is it something that doesn't fit your core mission in life?
Where do you want to be five, ten, or twenty years down the road?
If the company allows it, ask to shadow someone in the department or position you’re going into.
Also, read up on reviews of the company and position. They tend to be very insightful and can provide a lot of useful information.
How much will it cost you to relocate?
When I moved throughout school and residency, I packed my entire life in my car. I was single at the time and remember it was more stressful than expensive.
Fast forward to when I relocated with my entire family and the moving process was completely different. We relocated a house full of stuff and had to rent a huge moving truck to do so. It was an expensive proposition.
Anytime you’re relocating, see if your employer provides financial assistance. It can be in the form of a sign-on bonus or relocation stipend and can really help offset the cost to move.
What is the job market like in the area you're relocating to?
Is the opportunity in an area that only has a few big companies? If so, and you decide to leave the company, are you forced to relocate again?
On the flip side, is It located within a competitive area with numerous companies you’d be interested in working for? If so, relocation could open up a whole new world of opportunity for you.
What is the cost of living in the area you're relocating to?
Consider the following:
Where are you going to live and how much will it cost you to do so?
Will you buy or rent? With the market how it is today, many people are renting.
Do you currently own a home? If so, are you going to sell the home you own or rent it out?
How will your income and property taxes change?
What is the cost of groceries, gas, utilities, etc.?
What will your quality of life be like in your new location?
Striving for a solid work-life balance is important. In doing so, you'll want to consider:
Is the opportunity located in an area you’d enjoy?
What's the weather like year-round? Is it hot or cold most of the year? Do you have to worry about inclimate weather or tropical storms?
How about opportunities to explore locally or regionally? Will you have access to the mountains, beach, or big city?
Does the area have a solid arts, culture, and food scene?
There's so much more to life than working and this includes living your life to its full potential.
RELATED: How To Achieve Work-Life Balance
How will relocating impact your family?
When I relocated throughout school and for my first optometry job, I was single and only had to think about my immediate family and myself.
When I relocated with my family, I had to consider how the move would impact my wife and two young children. Things I thought about include:
How will relocation impact my family?
What will their quality of life be like?
How are the schools and education systems in the area?
How will we stay in touch with the people we’ve built strong relationships with?
How will we meet new people?
Will we like living there?
How do you deal with change?
Personally, I find that anytime I have a big life change it’s best to give myself at least six months to adapt to the change before I evaluate it.
If you're somebody who struggles to make small little changes, relocation is probably not something you should consider. Especially if you're used to what you've done your entire life and you're comfortable with the area you grew up in.
If you’re somebody who thrives on change or new adventures, relocation is probably more enticing. Especially if you're looking for a fresh start or a change of scenery.
Will relocating improve your opportunity for advancement?
In today’s world, there are roles that are truly remote, hybrid, and in-person.
In regards to advancing within a company, think about if you have to physically be present to advancement over time, or can you work remotely to do so?
It never hurts to be face to face with the leadership in your organization. It allows you to build stronger relationships and trust. This is critical for advancement. However, a lot of companies are evolving to a hybrid work environment.
It’s up to you to determine what is best to advance over time and set your goals accordingly.
RELATED: The Importance of Goal Setting
Relocation and the fear of the unknown
Relocation can be scary, stressful, and strenuous. It impacts your personal and professional life.
Personally, I believe in taking calculated risks. If you remain stagnant and you don't consider relocating throughout your career, you might miss out on opportunities to advance. Of course, this really depends on what you do and what industry you're in.
Regardless, relocating is a great way to jump the ranks and increase your ability to rise within a particular career path.
Final thoughts on relocating for a job opportunity
While scary, being open to relocating provides you with a competitive advantage over those who aren't. Before you relocate for a job opportunity, I highly recommend you evaluate your goals and the pros and cons of doing so.
What questions do you have about relocating for a job opportunity? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next video where we can reflect and grow stronger together.
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