Why Should You Relocate for Work
So, you’re considering relocating for a job. Whether your current employer wants to send you off to a new location within the company or you’re debating accepting an opportunity with a brand-new company, you’re weighing up your options when it comes to packing up your life and heading off to a new location.
Moving for a job comes with its fair share of excitement and challenges. And identifying the pros and cons of relocation can leave you having sleepless nights. To move or not to move? That really is the question.
But before you get ahead of yourself, pack a bag and head off to see if the streets really are paved with gold and the grass is greener. Of course, a major thing to consider when debating relocation is the actual job itself. But, what are some other questions you should mull over before making the move? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
1. Will you be making more money? (or, will it go further?)
Yes, money is definitely something to consider when deciding whether or not to move for professional reasons. Does the position you’re considering offer a sizeable bump in pay? Or, is it more of a lateral move when it comes to salary? While career happiness isn’t all about the money, being compensated well contributes to a feeling of appreciation and respect.
Even if that new salary looks great, don’t neglect to consider the bigger picture. Perhaps this new city has a significantly higher cost of living, or your new transportation needs will take a bite out of your monthly expenses. Or, maybe you’ll be down to one income while your partner searches for work. Make sure to factor all of those considerations in (plus any costs of moving that the company won’t cover) before just going after a bigger pay check. It will be a little late in the day and a problem for all concerned to only realise this after you start the new role.
2. Will it benefit you going forward
If you’re constantly looking for ways to advance your career and gain more prestige, a move might be necessary in order to make it happen if you current company does not have the employment channel opportunities.
So, when contemplating relocation, do thorough research about the position’s duties and requirements to determine if it’s a step up in your career. The new role could also be a lateral or strategic move which is not necessarily a promotion but will aid you in getting to you end career destination.
Plus, it also helps to think one step ahead about your career and development prospects after this role. Is your new destination a hotbed for opportunities within your specific field? Does the area have a large network of industry peers you could connect with? Are there tons of hospitality operations for continued professional development?
3. Will this improve your life?
You may love your current job. But, if your commute is always a complete nightmare or you’re far away from your family, those stresses can have a big impact on your daily attitude and outlook going forward.
It’s important to ask yourself if this move will greatly improve your life—even outside of the job. Maybe the public transportation is better and your commute will be a little less stressful. Or, you’ll be closer to your friends and family. Or, perhaps the climate really appeals to you. Whatever it is, make sure that you evaluate all of the things that are important to you and not just the benefits of the position.
4. Family
In addition, if you have a family, have you asked how they feel? You need to think about how a move will affect your partner and children. Will their lives be drastically different? Will it be for better or for worse? Make sure to give consideration to everyone who will be asked to move.
5. Keep your expectations in check
It takes work to build a new life and although it will be worth the effort in the end, there may be a period of doubt and stress. And that’s OK, it happens to everyone. As long as you don’t set your sights too high straight away, it will make everything much easier to deal with.
6. Research, research, research
We all know where to go and where not to go around in our home towns. But what about somewhere else? Is the area you’re moving to safe? Does it have good amenities? What are the transport links like?
7. Visit location and surrounding area
By checking it out beforehand, even if it’s just for the day or the weekend, you can really get a feel for the area, the people and even the nightlife. You are going to be spending a lot of time in your new home so make sure it’s a good fit for you and your family.
8. Have a back-up plan
What happens if it doesn’t work out? Relocations work out for many people, but it’s still important to have a plan if things don’t go right Are you able to move back home if you need to? Do you know anyone nearby who can help you out if you run into trouble?
DON'T
Move if you have genuine doubts
Make a key decision based on other people – it’s you that has to do the job
Burn your bridges with your current or future employer, whatever you decide.
Determining whether or not to move for a job can be a challenge, and you may be wrestling over what choice is the right one for you. Asking yourself these questions should help and provide the information as to whether it’s a good idea to pack up and move on. These decisions will shape the rest of your life and you want to enjoy them.