In the first few months of 2018, only 10 percent of job seekers relocated for work. Although this number is not as high as it used to be, compared to 19 percent, there are job seekers still willing to relocate.
If you’re one of those people who is considered giving relocating a try, make sure you know all of the facts.
Are you willing to relocate for work? Read on to learn about things to consider.
1. Who Will Pay For the Move?
Relocating to a new city and state might sound like a great idea until you think about what it’s actually going to cost you to relocate.
Before you give up your apartment or put your house for sale, you at least need to find out your job’s relocating policy.
When companies ask employees to relocate, they tend to cover some if not all of the moving expenses.
Make sure you do your homework and find out how the company will pay for the moving expenses. Will they pay for the relocation in advance? Or will they reimburse you after the relocation has been completed?
Of course, the relocating package a company offers will depend on how far the employee is willing to relocate.
This helpful article will give you more information on employee relocation and what it entails.
2. Think About Your Spouse and Children
If you’re single, it might not be a problem to relocate. It’s easier for a single person to move to a different city or country for work.
A person with a spouse or a family, on the other hand, it might not be quite as simple.
Before you take a new position that requires you to relocate, you have to keep in mind how the move will affect your family.
Will your spouse be willing to leave her or his job? Is there a way your spouse can also get relocated? How will your relationship be affected by the decision to relocate?
If you have children, you should also consider how the move will affect your children. Will there be a great school district for your children? Don’t forget to also get their input so they feel like they’re a part of the decision.
3. How Will Your Salary be Affected?
Most people relocate for work in the hopes of opening new doors and having better opportunities.
It’s not likely for someone to relocate across the country for the same or a lesser salary. Make sure you talk salary with your boss before you rent a moving truck.
The salary should be substantial enough to make the move worth it. Don’t worry if you don’t get the salary you deserve right away — you can always negotiate.
4. How Will The Cost of Living Change?
Before you complete the salary negotiation process, you need to do some research regarding the cost of living in the area you plan to relocate to. Start by looking around at housing to get an idea of rent and real estate prices.
You might also have to take into the equation groceries, utilities, and more.
While you might have a higher position and salary, the cost of living in the area could also be higher.
Make sure your new salary will cover the cost of living in the area, and will also leave you enough money to put in savings and entertainment.
You don’t want to end up with the same salary if the cost of living is higher.
5. What Does Your Future Look Like?
Relocating for a job is a good idea under most circumstances. However, before you make the long term commitment, you should look at what the future might hold.
Where do you see yourself working in ten years? Do you see yourself growing within the company? Are jobs in the industry projected to grow?
6. Are You Ready for the Adventure?
Relocating for a job might not be so much for the prospect of a new position, but for the adventure. Moving to a new location might be freeing to many because it offers the chance to get a new perspective.
Relocating to a new area might give you the opportunity to grow in other ways besides professionally.
7. Who Will Be Your New Boss?
If you already have a good relationship with your current boss, it might be difficult to get used to the idea of reporting to someone new.
It’s important to spend some time getting to know the person who will be your new boss. You need to get to know them on a professional level to see what their style is like.
Having a good professional relationship with your future boss will make the transition a lot smoother. If you’re interviewing for the position, make sure you ask the right questions to find out their leadership style is like.
8. Will You Feel Satisfied in Your New Role?
There might be many attractive things about the new job such as a new location, new role, and salary. However, when you look at the bigger picture, do you see yourself satisfied in the new role?
Will your new position make you feel professionally challenged?
9. Think About the Financial Shape of the Company
Not many employees might think about this, but it’s important to know the financial state of a company. You will feel more confident relocating when you know the company is thriving.
If you hear rumors of the company making cuts or not doing as well, you need to inquire about it.
10. Do You Have a Backup Plan?
Although you might be so excited to move to a new city and start a new role that will further your career, you also need to have a backup plan.
Think about whether or not you will be able to relocate back to your current job if the new role doesn’t work out.
What would your other options be? Give it some time to think about a backup plan.
Are You Willing to Relocate for Work?
Are you willing to relocate? If the answer is still yes, you need to take into account who will pay, what the future holds, how your relationships will be impacted, and more.
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