How to Change Jobs & Relocate

Frustration at a current job can make a new career in an entirely different location seem tempting.

The decision to change jobs and relocate is a massive and potentially life-affirming one that no one should take lightly. The exact process for how to effectively do it varies considerably depending on your chosen field, your geographical location and whether you intend to relocate to another city, another state or another country. However, there are a few general factors to keep in mind before you commit to a new job that involves a relocation.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Word processing program

Instructions

1. Research the expected growth in your field. It's important to remember that a job sector that is shrinking in one area should not necessarily be expected to thrive in another. A public relations job, for example, would be much more of a possibility in a large city than a small town. The Bureau of Labor Statistics website is a great resource for all of the variances between job markets in different areas of the country.

2. Develop a network in the area you are thinking of moving to. If you already have a potential job and area picked out, try to make contact with other people in the area working in the same field. Setting up a profile on a business networking site would offer a way to meet more people who work in the field you are interested in.

3. Start saving money. As a general rule, you should always wait until you have a guaranteed position in a new area before moving there. However, even with a secured job and a place to live, moving is an incredibly expensive process. Although some companies will offer financial assistance for relocation, it is wise to base your budget on the more likely possibility that they will not.

4. Visit the area you are thinking of moving to before you move there. This can help stave off the culture shock that could impact the process of adjusting to an entirely new environment. An inability to adjust could interfere with your ability to work and make contacts. Try to spend a few weeks in this new area to just get a general feel for the place before making any commitments.

References

• Career Builder: Five Factors to Consider Before Relocating; Selena Dehne
• LinkedIn: World's Largest Professional Network
• United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Wages by Area & Occupation