Are you thinking about relocating from your current location to a new city in order to take a job?
This is something that millions of Americans do every year. About 35 million people move on an annual basis—and about 20% of them do it for reasons related to work.
Moving to a new city can work wonders for both your personal and professional life. It can push you outside of your comfort zone and motivate you like never before.
But before you take the plunge and pick up all your belongings and move, there are some things you should consider. Here are seven things you should think about before relocating for a job.
1. The Job You Would Be Taking
Is the new job that you would be taking in a new city a job that you’ve always wanted? Or is it a job that you’re only thinking about taking because you hate your current job?
If you’re going to pack up your whole life and move it to a new place for a job, it’s important for you to love the idea of working at that job. The last thing you want to do is relocate for a job only to realize that you hate the job later.
There is, of course, no guarantee that you’re going to love any job. But the job that you’re relocating for should be as close to a sure thing as you can get.
The company offering the job should also have a solid foundation set in place. You don’t want to move halfway across the country to take a job only to have the company that gave it to you go under a few months later.
2. How the Move Impacts Family
If you’re a single person without any kids, you don’t have to worry too much about what your family thinks with regards to your potential relocation.
You might want to consider what your parents have to say about it. But even if they don’t agree with you making a move, you’re still free to do it. It’s your life, after all, and only you can decide what’s best for you.
If, however, you have a spouse and kids at home, you should take what they think about relocating into consideration. Your spouse might have a job that they love in your current city and your kids might love their schools.
It would be unfair to uproot them and take them away from everything that they know and love in pursuit of a new job.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t still think about doing it if it’s what might be best for your family over the long haul. But you should spend a lot of time talking to your family about their thoughts on your relocation opportunity.
3. The Cost of Living in the New City
What is the cost of living in your current city compared to the cost of living in the city you would be moving to?
This is one of the most important questions you’ll need to ask yourself when you’re thinking about making a move. Even if your new job includes a big raise, that raise could be offset by a higher cost of living in your new city.
If you’re moving from, say, New York City to Des Moines, Iowa, cost of living will work in your favor. But if you’re moving from a small city to an expensive city like NYC, San Francisco, or Boston, your cost of living will be a lot higher when you move than it is now.
4. The Weather in Your New City
Do you hate cold weather? Relocating from sunny Orlando, Florida to Chicago for a job might not be the best move for you to make.
Do you hate being hot all the time? Relocating from the mild temperatures in San Diego to blistering hot Houston might not be right for you.
The weather shouldn’t necessarily be one of the top factors on your list when you’re thinking about whether or not to relocate for work. But it should be a factor that you consider before moving to a new part of the country.
5. The Relationships You Have in Your Current City
When you leave your current city and move to a new one, you’re going to be leaving more than just an apartment or a house behind. You’re also going to be leaving close friends, neighbors, coworkers, and maybe even a significant other.
You will still be able to maintain relationships with some of these people. But those relationships won’t be the same when you’re not around much anymore. Think about if you’re willing to lose some of those relationships by moving away.
6. The Stress That Comes With Making a Move
Studies have shown that many Americans consider moving to be more stressful than planning a wedding, getting ready for a job interview, or even going to jail.
Long-distance moves, in particular, can present unique challenges to those who are moving. From packing up everything in your current home to moving everything to your new home, it’ll be one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do.
Are you ready for it? Read here to see how you can take some of the stress out of the equation if you think you’re up for it.
7. The Long-Term Goals That You Have
Does the job that you would be taking in a new city fit into your long-term plans? It should help fulfill one of the professional goals that you have and help you advance your career in some way.
Moving should also help you reach some of the personal goals that you have. If, for instance, it’s always been a goal of yours to spend time living in a big city before you settle down in the suburbs, accepting a position in a big city might be a smart move for you.
Is Relocating for a New Job the Right Move?
Relocating for a new job could be one of the best decisions you ever make. But before you make the decision to do it, consider all the things mentioned here.
Talk to those people around you about your decision and get their input on it, too. They can help shed some light on whether or not relocating for a job is the best move for you to make.
If you decide that you’re going to move, plan out every aspect of your move so that it goes off without a hitch. Read our blog to find moving tips that will make your move more manageable.
