Wondering if you should Relocate for a Job? Making this decision can be daunting, yet the possibility of a new beginning is very exciting. You may look forward to what this change has in store for you, but relocating has many unknown challenges, that makes it hard to plan for. Make sure that this life-changing decision has a world of benefits waiting for you.
What is Relocating?
Relocating is moving from one place to another. This includes moving house or moving to start a new job, whether it’s in the same area, or different continent. When you are changing jobs within the same city, the only change would be the travelling cost and route to work.
Things to Consider Before Deciding to Relocate
So you’re ready to make this exciting change? Before you put your house on the market, there are a few things you need to consider before your relocation is set in stone.
New Location, New Life
Moving to a new city or country means a whole new life altogether. We don’t mean changing who you are. But a new home, lifestyle changes and job is basically like starting all over again.
Is This the Opportunity of a Lifetime?
Is this the opportunity of a lifetime, or does it only offer a few more benefits? This is a pretty big change. Your decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. Make sure your job offers growth and stability.
Family Matters
The lives of those around you will change too. Whether you’re married with a family or on your own. Your family and friends will need to adjust to not having you right around the corner.
Financial Stability
You want to relocate for a better paying job. But the move to a new location could end up costing more, leaving you in the red. It could take months, even years, to break even.
Are you Ready?
We all want to make a change, but we need to be entirely ready before we change the course of our careers and lives. Being ready doesn’t only mean financially, but mentally ready as well.
Determine Why you Want to Relocate
Wanting to relocate doesn’t just come overnight. Unless you need to start the job immediately, you have to think long and hard before you set your mind to it. Determine why you want to relocate. If it’s not in your favour, maybe it’s not the best choice.
Career change – Want to change careers? Then relocation may not be the best option. Starting a career is difficult, and doesn’t always go according to plan. You wouldn’t want to have regrets.
Higher income – If your income offers stability, and allows you to live a comfortable lifestyle, then you should consider it. Who knows, your company may even pay for your relocation.
Change of scenery – A change of scenery isn’t the best reason in deciding if you want to relocate. Go on holiday with your friends and family. Maybe a break is all you need.
Leave your past behind – We see it in movies all the time. Starting over at a new job and city, leaving the past and its memories behind. Don’t make decisions based on emotions. Think it through, and make clear, logical choices.
Your loved one is relocating – If your spouse is relocating, you may want to support them in their endeavours. But talk it through, making sure there’s job opportunities available for you too.
How to Determine if This is the Right Option for you
When filling out a job application, don’t rush to turn down the opportunity to relocate and improve your career. Do research, and find out how it can benefit you. If the pros outweigh the cons, you should definitely consider it.
Ask Recruiters for a Trial Week
This gives you a chance to check out the surroundings and your new workplace. Will you be able to work in that environment? Does it offer growth? These are all the questions you should be asking yourself while you are there.
Speak to Someone in the Same Boat
Know anyone who had to relocate? Ask them about the process, and the unknown risks involved. They might shed some light on issues that can make or break your decision.
Check out the Schools and Accommodation in the Area
If the schools and accommodation are great, then making a change could be good for the whole family. Find out about extra-curricular activities that would excite even the little ones.
Can you Afford it?
Before you make the change, find out if you can afford relocating to a new place. It may cost you a pretty penny, but this move shouldn’t clean out your bank account.
What if Your Company Relocates?
Sometimes, the decision isn’t even in your hands. There are cases where companies relocate, whether it’s in the same city, or in another province. Companies know that not everyone is able to relocate. Due to this, many people are retrenched and asked to take a severance package. Those who are willing to relocate with the company, may do so at their own expense.
Jobs that May Require you to Relocate
Although it is not a must, there are a few jobs that go hand-in-hand with relocation. When you start a job in any of those careers, there is a great possibility that you will need to live and work abroad. These jobs include:
- Au pair
- Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Tour Guide
- Business Manager
- Events Manager
- Travel Consultant
Make a Move Towards a Successful Career
Want to study a course but not ready to relocate? Then distance learning is the option for you. It allows you to study remotely, from the comfort of your home. Study one of our courses with us and move forward. Contact our course advisors for more information. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27
- Fill in our contact form for a call back
