Taking the Plunge: Should I Relocate for a New Job?

There are some industries that have more opportunities in certain locations. If you’re looking for a fresh start or know you need to apply for new jobs if you want to progress, you might be looking at relocating.

Relocation seems a no brainer for your dream job. But when it comes round to actually leaving your home town – or even state –it can be difficult to let go.

That said, being willing to relocate for a role means you can broaden your job search and have more opportunities to choose from.

With several pros and cons, should you relocate for a new job? Well, to help you think it through properly, we’re sharing a list of things to consider before taking the plunge.

Relocation costs

For the perfect candidate, businesses are often willing to pay at least some of the relocation costs. But they can only offer if they know you need to relocate. Whenever applying for a job out of state, it’s a good idea to mention the prospect of relocating in your cover letter so that everyone is on the same page from the get-go.

If the job doesn’t come with relocation costs paid for, this is something you’ll need to seriously consider. Is a huge expense something you can handle when starting a new job in a new place? You’ll need to find somewhere to stay and to hire a long distance moving company to get your stuff out there. Renting might cost more in your new state too: Will you have enough for a deposit, and will the new salary outweigh the rent increase?

As well as the upfront costs, it’s worth looking into the general cost of living in comparison to your new salary. If there’s not a significant increase in wage, will the money you are earning go further? Moving from a rural area to a big city, for example, will likely have a higher cost of living. All of this needs to balance itself out to make the relocation worth it.

Career progression

So you’ve found a new job, then what? If you’re relocating to another state, it needs to be worth the hassle. This is why it’s important to discuss potential progression with managers from the business. Set yourself goals for where you see yourself a year, five years and ten. If you don’t think this business can take you to where you want to be, it might not be the right opportunity to take.

Family

People with kids have a little more to think about. It’s important to make sure the move suits the whole family – and that includes your children’s education. Younger children will quickly adapt to their new surroundings, but older kids with friends and a social life will likely have issues with the move.

It’s also worth looking to see how easy it would be for your spouse to find a job. While it might be the perfect place for your industry, does it fit with their career plans? Finding somewhere that works for everyone will help make the transition for everyone easier. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to relocating. It’s worth taking your time, discussing it with the family and working together to come to a decision before applying for jobs out of state.