When you’re thinking about moving for work, there are a number of things to consider. Relocating is a big decision that will affect many areas of your life in addition to your atmosphere at work. If you have a family that will move with you, their lives will change drastically as well. With the right opportunities and compensation, moving for a job can be a great choice. Before you make your decision, you may want to ask yourself and your family a few questions.
Who pays for relocation expenses?
If you’re expected to foot the bill for the move, think about everything this will entail. Moving truck rental fees, hiring a moving company, and spending the time to pack up and head to your new home will add up quickly, potentially making the move more expensive than you anticipated. Talk to your employer before you accept a position in a new location to make sure everyone understands the moving expenses and who will pay for them.
What is the difference in cost of living?
Most people know that places like San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and New York City come with higher living expenses. However, even a move to a bigger metro area from a small town can involve some sticker shock. Research the average cost of living in the city in which you currently live and compare the information with the proposed location. Make sure to include aspects like rent/housing costs, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and dining out.
If the cost of living is dramatically higher, you may want to negotiate with your employer for more money. Use your findings to help leverage your claims.
Where will I live?
If you’re thinking about moving to a big city, you’ll have more options available in terms of apartments or homes. Small towns don’t have as much to offer, so you could end up living in a place that is smaller than where you currently reside. If you’re planning to buy a home, you may want to consider renting on a short-term lease to become familiar with the area and decide where you want to live more permanently. Various neighborhoods and areas often have unique vibes, but it’s hard to get a feel for these when you’re searching online.
Are there better opportunities to advance?
When you’re moving for a dream job, it’s hard to think about the long-term future. But most people are seeking to move up and advance in their careers, so if it doesn’t look like there is a lot of opportunity for upward mobility at the new company or in your new role, you may want to reconsider.
When you’re looking at growth opportunities, take some time to review the company culture as well. Some companies promote from within to help their employees grow and advance, while others tend to hire outside people more often to get fresh perspectives. The social culture at the office can also play a role in your decision to make a big move.
Do the benefits of moving outweigh the challenges?
Moving is not an easy process, and anyone who has moved recently can certainly attest to that. Even simple things like buying groceries and getting gas become more challenging in the first few weeks after a move as you adjust to your new surroundings and get your bearings. Make a list of the realistic challenges that will come with moving to a new city. Then compare those challenges with a list of benefits of accepting the new role. You can use this information to decide whether moving is the best decision for you and your family.
Where will my kids go to school?
If you have children that will be moving with you, it’s important to think about how it will impact them. Changing schools and making new friends is hard enough, but if you’re moving to an area with poor academic performance or lack of athletic teams, your kids could face even more struggles. Look into the school ratings and information online in the city to which you plan to move. If you can find areas that have better schools, you might want to think about finding housing there to accommodate the needs of your children.
Will I (we) be happy in the new city?
It’s hard to know the answer to this question for certain without picking up and moving, but there are some ways to know whether the new location will be a good fit. If you love biking to work, check out how bike-friendly the city is along the route you might take to the office. If nightlife is an important part of your personal life and leisure time, you could find that you’re very unhappy in a small town without as much to offer in that department. When you’re moving with a family, discuss the options and consider their feelings before making a decision.
Are there opportunities for my spouse/partner?
If you’re married or in a committed relationship, consider how a move will impact that person’s career goals as well. Some companies offer assistance for spouses of new employees, such as employment leads or placement services. It can also alleviate some of the stress and worry if your spouse can find a job in the new city before you move or negotiate to work remotely in his or her current role, if that is an option.
Job relocation tips
After you decide that you are moving for work, it’s time to begin the planning and execution of this life change. Relocating comes with a number of necessary tasks, but you can simplify the process and make it easier on everyone involved. Start by creating a detailed plan that helps you stay organized. If you have a start date at the new job, use that as the absolute latest date you can be settled and ready to begin work. Get quotes and information about moving estimates and timelines to make sure that you reserve services in plenty of time.
If you own a home that you plan to sell, start researching the real estate market in your area. When the market is down, you may struggle to get a reasonable offer on your house. The thought of paying for housing expenses in two places can cause stress, so look into other options like renting out your home until the market improves or arranging for assistance in selling the house more aggressively. Temporary corporate housing may also be an option if you can’t find a place to live in the new city.
It’s also smart to take as many trips to the arrival city as possible before you move. Scope out areas and neighborhoods to figure out which ones appeal to your lifestyle and family. It can be challenging to get a sense of the overall feel when you’re just visiting, but spending time at nearby restaurants, bars, and stores can help you interact with locals and talk to them about their experiences living in the area. Read local news stories and get as much information about your new city as possible.
Even before you arrive, start building a network of support in the new location. Online resources like social media, Meetup, and other sites and apps allow you to search by location and connect with people who share your hobbies or interests. Ask your current friends if they know anyone who lives in your new city and whether they would be willing to introduce you. When you have a support network, you’re more likely to feel at home and achieve greater happiness in your new surroundings.
Leaving behind loved ones can make you feel very lonely in your new city. Schedule a time each week for a phone call or video chat with your best friend to keep that relationship strong, even if you can’t meet for your usual coffee or brunch. When you stay connected with friends while establishing new relationships with people in your area, you can help alleviate some of the stress and pain that can come with job relocation.
Moving for a job isn’t easy, but for many people, it’s well worth the effort. You have the potential to earn more while living in a place that you’ve always dreamed of, possibly with the option to have your employer foot the bill for the moving expenses. If you go into the move feeling prepared and positive, you can increase your chances of success in your new city and your new life.
