If you’ve been offered a promising career change or promotion in a different city, it can be like a carrot-and-stick situation for your work-life balance. Relocation is almost always a difficult decision. If you decide to relocate, you want your new life to have as few nasty surprises as possible. Here are seven things to consider before you relocate for work.
Moving costs
Moving is expensive, and some of the most common costs are easily overlooked. Renting a U-haul or paying a moving company, hiring professional auto transport services, travel expenses, and first month’s rent in your new home can rack up a pretty impressive bill. Not to mention the incidentals, like buying new furniture and paying to clean or repair your old rental.
You should factor in these costs when negotiating your relocation package with your employer. Remember, the employer is asking you to uproot your life, so they should be willing to pay your expenses.
The logistics of the move
How difficult is your move to the new site going to be? It’s essential to consider the costs, time commitment, and organizational investment it’ll take to get you (and your belongings) from point A to point B.
Hiring a moving company, the distance to your new location, changing schools, and how much time and money your employer is willing to provide are all part of the plan that you’ll need to review when making your decision.
Your new salary and the cost of living
When you accept your new promotion or job, will your annual salary match your new cost of living? If you’re planning a move to a big city, the cost of living may increase dramatically, which is essential to consider before relocating for work. You don’t want to sacrifice your standard of living just to move cities.
Your pay should increase to cover any discrepancies in the cost of living. If you’re not expecting a big raise to accompany your new position, you may want to reconsider making a move.
Family and personal commitments
If you have a family and essential commitments that center around your city of residence, making a big move can prove more challenging. You’ll need to research schools for registration, local healthcare, transportation, and how to integrate into a new environment and social circles effectively. If you have children, you’ll also want to think about how the move will affect them emotionally and educationally.
The option of remote employment as an alternative
In some cases, remote work is an option that can substitute for physical relocation. Plenty of employers are willing to consider work-from-home as a solution for employees and teams. For many people, especially if you have a family or strong community ties, remote work is a great alternative to inquire about if relocation isn’t a viable option.
Is the new location ideal for you?
If you’re accustomed to living in an urban region, relocating to a smaller city or town may come with some unexpected changes. On the other hand, moving from a small village to a sprawling metropolis can be a culture shock.
Are you ready to embrace a new location? It’s essential to research your new place of work, the region, and any changes in customs or laws that may impact your day-to-day living and working relationships. If you feel yourself digging in your heels when you read about your new locale, it might be time to reconsider relocating.
Weigh the pros and cons
When you’re presented with a new job opportunity or promotion, the prospect of moving to a new town or city is exciting and intimidating. After you weigh all the pros and cons before relocating for work, you’ll rest easy knowing you’ve made the right decision for yourself and your family.
