What to Consider Before Relocating For a Job

What to Consider Before Relocating For a Job There are many things to consider when thinking about moving for a job â€" will your  salary increase? Is the job closer or farther away from your family and friends? Can you  afford living expenses? And of course, is it a job you will enjoy at a company you like? With so many things to consider, you need to tackle this decision step by step because  looking at the big picture can get overwhelming! So, let’s start at the beginning. Take a hard look at the job offer. Is it an offer you have  been looking for? Will there be a significant increase in your income?  Do you like the  job and what it entails? Learn From Scenarios Sometimes, it’s easier to learn from example. So, let’s think about two scenarios: Scenario 1 â€" You’ve been working in marketing as an analyst for a small company for 5+  years attempting to work your way up the ladder. You have been offered a Marketing  Director position with a 20% increase and a great bonus at a different company, but the  position is in another state. Scenario 2 â€" You just started working in a business that’s closing and relocating across the country.   The offer is only a 5% increase and the town is more expensive than the  one you are currently living in.  Plus, your title will remain the same. Scenario 1 sounds much better than scenario 2, right? That’s because it is. Scenario 1  offers more in terms of job opportunities and salary, whereas scenario 2 requires a huge  life change with little to no compensation. Saying “YES” to Scenario 1 because the job sounds great is understandable, but you  should take a step back and think about the personal effects this career move will  have on your lifestyle.  Are you single living in an apartment working solely on your  career and ready for an adventure or change of scenery? This job relocation is perfect  for you! But if you’re in a serious relationship, engaged or married you have someone else to  think about.  Can your significant other find a job in your new town? If their skills are  easily transferable, then why not take advantage of this great career opportunity for  yourself? If not, and their current job is stable, it’s probably not a good idea to take the  job. What if you’re married and have a family? This is another very important thing to think  about.  It all depends on the ages and schooling requirements of your children. Also  take into consideration the presence of extended family.  Are you close with family that  lives near you? The closer you are with family members the harder it will be to take the  safety and security of loved ones away from your family. On the flip side, did you just have a baby and you don’t have family around? Relocation  for a new job is something to consider.  If you have older children with friends, sports  and family nearby, it’s most likely not worth it. It all depends on how tight knit your  family is. Remember, jobs will come and go, but family is forever. Put your family first. At the  same time, if your kids are young or they aren’t involved much in the community OR  if they can tell that you’re unhappy on a daily basis, take the job and do something for  yourself. Also, if a new job means future financial security for your family, you have to  consider the long-term benefits of relocating. What Else to Consider These two scenarios don’t cover everything. So, here are some more things to  consider when thinking about relocating for a job: • What is the position? Does the job come with greater responsibility? Ask  yourself, is this a vertical career move or a lateral one? • What is the salary? Is there a bonus structure, what are the hours and are their  incentives like company trips? • Research the company â€" How long has it been around? Is it growing? It is an  ethical, community driven company? • Research the area â€" Can you afford a house in your new town? Can you even  afford an apartment? Are there good schools? Is it city or country? What are  some fun things to do there? • Why are you leaving? Are you looking to escape something or someone? Or  are you trying to start over? Are you leaving for, what you consider, the right  reasons? • Family and Friends â€" Who will you be leaving behind? Is it worth it? Or no? Before you make any rash decisions, think about everything outlined in this post and  do some research.  Yes there are jobs out there that are worth relocating for, but at  the same time there are many that aren’t. Think long and hard about this â€" you might even want to try making a chart of the pros  and cons.  Then give each pro and con a rating of importance and see if the pro or the  con side rates higher.  This is an awesome way to make your decision. Whatever you decide, do what’s right for you and your family! Good luck! Author Bio Tara Chila, blogger for Transit Systems, Inc., writes mostly about moving, travel, house home, kids, parenting, and recipes. Transit Systems specializes in a variety of shipping and moving services including international shipping.