Relocating for Work? 6 Factors To Consider
Whether your job has gone fully remote or you are just looking for a change of pace, you might be considering relocating for work. Depending on your reasons, you could be looking for an entirely new job, exploring an opportunity for your current employer to expand into a new market, or hoping to take care advantage of a new “work from anywhere” policy.
But before you jump at the opportunity to uproot your life and start elsewhere, keep in mind the many factors that one has to take into account when relocating for work. Here are 6 factors to keep in mind when considering a job relocation:
Logistics
There are a lot of logistics to consider when relocating for work, from your working hours to moving expenses. For example, if you are moving to a different timezone but staying in the same role and working on the same team, you’ll need to consider your hours. Will you be expected to maintain the same hours as your team or is there some flexibility there?
Job relocation expenses may be another conversation you’ll have with a prospective employer or your current manager. How this is handled will likely depend on the circumstances of your move. For instance, an employer may offer assistance if they have recruited you from a different area from which they are based or if they are asking you to relocate to help them expand. However, you may be responsible for your expenses if your job relocation is personally motivated.
Salary and career growth
If you’re relocating for work, make sure that your salary reflects the cost of living in your new home. Moving to a new city can be an extreme financial burden, so you’ll want to ensure you are being properly compensated. At the same time, you’ll want to determine if you’ll have opportunities for growth. Whether you’re relocating for your current job or a new one, development should be a strong priority as you look to advance in your career.
Community outreach
One of the toughest parts about relocating for work is making sure that everything you might need is readily available. Being in close proximity to your new office (if not remote) and in the vicinity of essential places like stores, hospitals, etc. are just a couple of obvious things to look out for. If you are moving with your family, school systems would be a priority. And if you’re a single professional, living near places for social opportunities and personal interests might be at the top of your list. Your employer, especially if they have a relocation package, will often suggest suitable places for you to live. If given the chance, try and visit the town/city before moving or even making your decision. Everything may sound ideal on paper, but seeing and experiencing it gives you a better feel of how feasible this new life can be.
Your future coworkers
Leaving one office for another means a whole new set of coworkers, especially if you’re changing jobs. Reaching out to your future coworkers can help ease the stress of the transition jitters. Establishing a friendly relationship with a couple of people on your team before you make the move can only help your professional relationship once you get there. They can also provide firsthand insight about the new office, possible new duties, and, more importantly, the area as a whole. And if you’re a bit too shy to reach out yourself, have the HR team try and facilitate a connection.
Networking
If you have some social media savvy in your skillset, specifically on LinkedIn, it’d be a good idea to make some connections in your new city before you get there. Establishing a rapport with like-minded people in your field or across different industries can help you both socially and professionally. Building an understanding of the job market in your future town/city will only help prepare you for any situation.
A backup plan
Try to be as financially conservative as possible until you really get settled. Manage a set budget responsibly until you get a feel for how your new city operates, especially if it’s a bigger and more expensive place to live. But mostly, make sure that you’re properly insured, both independently and by your employer. Being prepared for any surprises that may pop up or bumps in the road is an important part of any job relocation.
