Receiving a new job offer ranks among the most exciting events in human life. The gratifying sense of being appreciated inspires and encourages people, motivates them to work with maximum efficiency and to further improve their skills. The much desired opportunity for career advancement, however, often comes from a promising position in another city. In this common scenario, the initial thrill of the great news soon gives way to anxious thoughts about the imminent relocation and its effects. It comes as no surprise that the prospect of relocating for a job brings uneasy feelings – the mere idea of leaving favorite places and special people behind to dive headfirst into the unknown can be very intimidating and nerve-racking, not to mention all the laborious and stressful aspects of moving house. So, here are the most essential things to consider before relocating for a job.
Job advantages
Is relocating for a job worth it? If you have been offered a position that meets the following attributes, you’d better start negotiating an appropriate job relocation package.
- Lucrative position – receiving high income and various employee benefits will result in an enviable financial situation;
- Stable job – being able to work for the same company for many years will give you a better chance for career advancement and will ensure your peace of mind;
- Chance for self-improvement – improving your professional skills, gaining a high level of competence and expanding your knowledge will make you an authority in your field of expertise;
- Pleasant working conditions – working enthusiasm and better achievements are in direct proportion to the professional attitude and the positive working atmosphere in the company;
- Business opportunities – the chance to establish your own business or to find another occupation if something goes wrong with your new job is of primary importance. Consider the business environment in your new area, as well as the unemployment rate and the demand for your professional qualification.
Last but not least – remember that your significant other will also need a rewarding job in order to come along. Job relocation with family will present additional challenges, of course.
Standards of living
It is not only how much you earn but also how much you spend that defines your prosperity. When moving for work, research the following aspects of life in your future area:
- Cost of living – the overall cost of utilities, services, transportation, medical care, insurances, taxes, food and any other relevant amenities must be taken into account when weighing the pros and cons of relocating for a job;
- Housing – temporary housing is often a very convenient option because it will provide you with the time to research the real estate market in your new city, to choose a good neighborhood and to buy or to rent an affordable property that meets all your requirements in order to settle in permanently;
- Safety – the crime rate in the area is indicative of the lifestyle and the overall situation in your new community;
- Lifestyle – you may encounter different points of view, attitudes and social norms in your new surroundings. Make sure they do not represent insuperable obstacles for your habitual lifestyle;
- Weather – whether you enjoy them or not, the climatic conditions in your future area should not affect your health or your mood in a negative way.
Available opportunities
It’s important that your new city has a variety of opportunities to offer, besides work.
- Children’s issues – moving house greatly affects children’s development and behavior, so you need to provide favorable environment for your young ones when relocating for a job. Find a good educational facility in your new city that offers friendly attitude and quality teaching; look for clubs where your kids can practice their favorite activities (sports, arts, etc.); take your children to playgrounds, local parks and shopping centers and/or invite neighbors and other people with kids over to encourage your little ones to expand their social network;
- Entertainment and recreational activities – green areas, restaurants, movie theaters, sports and music clubs and other entertainment options should be available in your new area to allow you to relax and recharge with positive energy.
Moving issues
The time-consuming and financially-draining moving process is one of the most important factors to consider when relocating for a job.
- Housing – first, you will need to deal with any current mortgages, rental issues, deposits, etc. If you are on a lease agreement, you will need to end it appropriately and leave the house in a good condition. If you own the property, you will either have to sell it or lease it to tenants. All these procedures have their specifics and difficulties and require a lot of preparations;
- Moving expenses – these are not to be underestimated, so try to get as much job relocation assistance as possible. You will need to pay for all or most of the following: movers, shipment of your household goods and your vehicle, short-term storage, transportation, renovation and furnishing of your new home. So, research the available job relocation packages and set your moving budget carefully. Keep any documents and receipts because moving expenses are usually tax deductible in the event of relocating for a job;
- Moving procedures – it is advisable to create a floor plan of your future home in order to know what larger furniture and appliances you will be able to take with you, then to sort out all your belongings according to their practicality and value and to sell online or at a garage sale the ones that you will not need any longer. Finally, pack properly the household items you will move to your new home.
If you have pets, you will need to take adequate measures for their relocation as well. Don’t forget to put in order all your documents (change your address, transfer or update your car registration and your driver’s license, your insurance, etc.) and to arrange for the necessary services (transfer utilities, contact cable TV and Internet providers, renew subscriptions, find a new doctor, etc.) in your new area. Organizing a cross-country move is never a piece of cake, be it for a new job or without a job, so don’t let any important details fall through the cracks!
Sentimental factors
When you have found the answers to all the above-described questions to ask before relocating for a job, spare several moments for the sentimental factors related to your forthcoming move.
- Relationships – say proper goodbyes to all your friends and/or relatives and make sure to stay in touch with them after the relocation;
- Timing – when scheduling your move, consider the most appropriate time in terms of your and your spouse’s current working commitments, school year, lease agreements, ongoing renovation projects, previously planned trips or vacations, etc.
- Opportunity cost – consider the consequences of not accepting the opportunity for a new job. If you risk missing the chance for a better life, just ignore any job relocation hardships and start organizing your move!
- Acceptance of change – will you and your family be able to handle such a life-changing event in a positive way? Will you always regret something left behind if you move to a new place? Think twice before it is too late.
- Backup plan – don’t fail to come up with a plan B in case something goes wrong.
The time to start working on your job relocation checklist has come!
