Should you relocate for a job?

The luxury of working near a big city or center of industry is not shared by everyone. Even though remote working has become more acceptable in recent years, many firms still want employees to come into an office. This begs the question of whether individuals should consider relocating when looking for a new job. It’s a personal decision, and one that has the potential to affect professionals’ lives in many ways. Individuals can consider these factors before applying for jobs that might require them to relocate.

Relocation expenses

It is important to weigh the benefits of a new job with the expenses related to relocation. It may take some time to recover lost funds associated with moving, and you might not want to put your financial stability in jeopardy. Some companies are willing to offer relocation services or a moving stipend. Check with the hiring manager to see what, if anything, is offered. Assistance also may extend to helping a spouse find a new job or helping you to sell or rent an existing residence.

Think about career growth

Figure out where you see your career going in the future. Is this job a good stepping stone to other opportunities or one that will be your final job? If so, it could be worth the time, expense and effort to relocate. But if you’re moving only for salary and will not get much more out of the deal, like access to more connections or more challenging responsibilities, you may want to pass.

Building your network

Relocation requires building new networks, including social networks and networks of professional associates and service providers. When considering relocation, look to areas where you already have a networking touchstone, such as a former college pal or even a friend or family member. All you need is one person to start the ripple effect of getting to know others. This may be easier than starting from scratch in a town where you know no one.

Learn about the location

While every facet of a job may look good on paper, how does the location measure up? You may need to do a little market research to find out if a city, town or even country is on an upswing or in decline. Do you want to move to an area that has a high number of people moving out? Are there amenities you desire, such as museums, parks or good schools? How are real estate values and job security? Look beyond the company and the offer to the bigger picture, as you’ll only be spending so much time on the job and the rest enjoying life.

The potential to relocate for job requires professionals carefully consider a host of factors before committing to a move

Photo by Shutterstock Find out some things you need to think about in job relocation.