Your dream job may — or may not — be on the other end of a move
Whether you’ve already been offered a position in another city or you’ve discovered that the perfect job isn’t within a convenient commute of your current home, the decision to relocate for work is a big one. What should you consider before uprooting yourself (and possibly your family) to broaden your career horizon?
First, really think about why you want to relocate. Have you already been offered a position somewhere that’s not within a reasonable commute? Are you looking for job stability or mobility that doesn’t exist where you are currently? Are you excited to experience a new part of the world? Taking an honest, hard look at your reasons for considering such a leap will help you determine whether it makes sense.
Think about who else will be impacted. Relocating just yourself is very different from relocating with a significant other, or a family. If you are contemplating a solo move, make sure you’ll be comfortable in the new location and that the area offers opportunities to meet new friends and build a support network. If you have a significant other and/or family, moving to a new city requires additional research: Will your partner be able to find work? How are the local schools? You’ll need to ensure the change makes sense for all parties. It’s important to remember that relocating will also affect those you leave behind. Will learning to navigate a new city make you less available? Perhaps an elderly relative or neighbor depends on you to take care of the weekly grocery shopping. Such commitments shouldn’t prevent you from moving, but they do need to be addressed.
Do your research on the new position and company before you commit to a relocation. Does the company offer what you need in terms of benefits, opportunity for advancement, culture, etc.? Will it cover relocation expenses? You’ll most likely want to stay at the company for some time after going to the trouble of relocating, so be sure it’s one you can see yourself at long term.
Because resettling somewhere new can be difficult, think about where you’re going and how the location differs from your current one. Is the climate markedly different? Do you have family or friends in the new location? If not, how long would you need to travel for special occasions like holidays? Is the cost of living significantly different? Answering these important questions can greatly affect whether you should relocate.
When you take the time to think about why you want to relocate, where you will go, what you can gain (or lose) from moving, and what kind of support you would have in a new location, you’ll likely find clarity around whether relocating is a good decision for you now. If you determine that a major move doesn’t make sense currently, enjoy the things that made you want to stay put and perhaps revisit the idea in a few years. If you do relocate, get ready for an adventure!
