There are many reasons you may decide you want to move, from wanting to live in a larger home or a different area to desiring a better school district for your kids. But there’s one type of move that is a little more unique than the rest: relocating for a job. If you’re transferring locations within your company or you got a great new job opportunity in another area or state, there are some things you should keep in mind when deciding the right time to move for your career. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you move away for a job.
Do I have a job lined up for when I move?
The first determining factor for whether or not it’s the right time to relocate is if you have a job lined up. If you don’t want to quit your current job until you have a new position line up, you probably won’t want to begin planning for your move until you’re positive that you’ll have work when you get there. On the other hand, moving may be a bigger priority for you than finding a job right away. Maybe your lease is up on your current home, or maybe you’ve just experienced a significant life change, and you’re taking this move as an opportunity to start fresh in a new city at a new company. Whatever the case may be, consider your priorities in finding a position where you’ll be moving.
If I have a job lined up, do they offer relocation assistance?
Once you have a job lined up for your upcoming move, it’s recommended to ask if your company offers relocation assistance. Most companies who relocate their current employees to new locations will offer some sort of relocation package or assistance to aide in the moving process. However, many people forget that relocation assistance is a common advantage to moving for a job. Have a discussion with your manager or the HR team at the company to find out whether they will be able to help you find temporary or permanent housing, as well as whether they will assist with the moving process.
What’s my budget?
Budget is one of the top reasons why many people decide to move, and it’s important to consider your budget even when moving for a job. Your budget can determine when you are able to move for your job. Whether or not you will be offered relocation assistance can affect your budget, as well. Before you become too invested in relocating, add up all of the costs associated with moving to your new place to help you determine when you will be able to afford to move. Additionally, as with any move, you need to ask yourself whether buying or renting is more of a priority for you. Buying or renting a home in the location of your new position can significantly impact your decision to relocate as well as your timeline and budget for relocating.
Talk through the decision with your significant other
If you’re moving for a job and you live with a significant other or spouse, you should spend some time talking through the decision to move to make sure you are both on the same page about relocating. If you live in a dual-income household, research what the job market is like in the new area to see if relocating will have a positive impact on both of your careers. Even though moving for a job may be beneficial for you, it’s important to weigh your options with your significant other to ensure that the move happens at an ideal time for both of you, if possible.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This post was written by Bailee Abell. Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at baileeabell.com.
