It’s one of many job search dilemmas. “If I stay local, how long might my job search take? Is the economic outlook better somewhere else? Should I move to a bigger city? A smaller one? A high-tech area? Someplace warmer? Will the move be temporary or permanent?”
Exploring relocation possibilities is always a good thing. There may be opportunities that are overlooked by limiting your search too close to home. Whether you end up moving or not you can greatly expand your thinking as well as your professional network.
So, you send out feelers but you’re not quite comfortable with the idea of moving. Interview results from local companies haven’t been panning out. You get strong interest and a few interviews from a few companies outside of your current location and then it happens – you get an out-of-town job offer.
Before you rent the U-Haul and chase off to the new location, ask yourself these questions:
1. What if employment / income didn’t matter?
Is the new location a place where I want to be even if I wasn’t job searching? As enticing as a job offer can be, it is not the sole reason to relocate. What motivates me? What type of environments am I attracted to? Is this on my top five list of places I’ve always wanted to live (or retire to)? Have I been there during each season to know what it’s really like?
2. What research have I done to make an informed decision?
Job seekers are good at researching target companies. Exert as much effort on researching the community as well. Does it support my lifestyle? Are services conveniently located? Internet salary and cost of living calculators are a starting place when estimating finances, but can be wildly inaccurate. What income (total compensation with benefits) will I need to make the move there? Will expenses go up or down? Talk to realtors experienced in relocation, bankers or other professional contacts that have made similar moves.
3. What kind of support system will be in place?
Do I have family or several good friends that will physically be there? Will family members acclimate to these surroundings? (schools, organizations, activities, lifestyle) Or, is it a place where I’ll have to “go it alone” for a while?
4. What are my real commute limits? Will commuting to work take less or more time in the new location? How does that impact what is important to me? Rather than move, what if I broaden my current (near home) search to a wider radius? My ideal commute is 30 minutes. Are there opportunities I’m missing that may be an hour or two away? A two hour commute isn’t attractive but it might be doable for the ideal job. It would eliminate the need to uproot family or move away from a strong support system.
5. Is this move permanent, temporary or a trial run?
Do I sell everything and go all in? Is there a way I can try it on first by living there part time and commuting back home on weekends or once a month? Is it worthwhile to consider a long term contract in another location? Some companies expect key personnel to move geographically every 2-5 years. Is this something I’m willing to do?
6. What if this place doesn’t pan out?
Are there other target companies or positions in this location that match your skills/experience? Too frequently people relocate for a job and find out it isn’t a fit. What if the new company downsizes and I find myself unemployed again, in the same situation this move was supposed to correct? Always have a plan A, B and C. If the “worst case” happens, is this location still as attractive? Is another move a realistic option?
What are your “relocation for a job” experiences?
