How to Determine Whether or Not to Relocate for Employment
Nearly three-quarters of a million Americans pack up their belongings and move every year directly for employment purposes, according to Butler University. Much thought, brainstorming and planning go into that decision to seek a new place of living. Deciding whether to relocate for employment can be a nerve-racking experience, especially in an uncertain job environment. Weigh all of the options and give voice to your feelings to make the best decision for your work and life future.
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Instructions
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Review your living situation. Owning a home is a much longer extrication process than if you simply rent an apartment. Consider whether the job is secure enough to deal with the home-selling process. Check home sales in your city and neighborhood to get an idea of how long it might take to sell your home and the prices of recently sold homes.
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Determine how important connection to others is in your new location. If you have a strong family base at your current location, are friends with your current coworkers, participate in local activities or have a favorite volunteer job, it could sway you toward staying. On the other hand, if moving will put you closer to loved ones or in a more vibrant community, it could add to the "move" column.
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Make a list of pros and cons of both jobs. Judge how happy you are at your current job, and estimate how you'll feel at the new one. Include items such as commute time, how interested and engaged you are in the work you are currently and will be doing and relationships with your boss and coworkers, as well as the potential for promotion and moving up the ladder.
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Inquire whether moving expenses are covered in your prospective new employment contract. If there is a contribution toward relocation, determine whether it pays a percentage or will pay for the move in full.
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Compare the cost of living of the two places through a free website such as Penn State University's Living Wage Calculator, where you can drill down to the city level from the state level. Things to look for include home prices and state taxes, as well as average gas prices and electricity bills.
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Visit the potential new place of employment to see both the office facilities and the area where you'll be living. Spend more than just a few hours; you'll want to tour the prospective areas both night and day and view potential housing places.
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Ask whether your job will be intact should you stay. In some cases, employers give staff the option of moving or losing their jobs. Review your industry to determine whether it will be difficult to find another job in your career field where you live now if your job becomes unavailable.
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Tips & Warnings
Moving expenses include items such as temporary housing, meals, the cost of shipping and delivering your belongings, disconnecting and connecting utilities and packing supplies.
