So, after months of submitting applications, going on interviews, and receiving nothing but rejections, you’ve finally landed your dream job. The pay is great and you will be doing something you actually enjoy! But, there’s a catch. The job is on the other side of the country.
Well, you have always wanted to move, you tell yourself. You’re young, now is the time to pick up and go! But what about your friends and family?
What about the life you currently have? Relocating for a job is a huge responsibility. You will finally have your dream job, but is it worth it at the cost of moving and leaving the people and town you love? Deciding whether or not to relocate for a job is not an easy process.
You have to weigh the pros and cons and decide if it is beneficial for not just your professional life, but the personal side of things. If your dream job requires you to move across the country and you are not sure what to do, here is how to decide whether to relocate for a job.
Figure Out if Relocation Expenses Will Be Covered
Whether you are moving one state over or across the country, relocation is expensive. So, make sure you check with your new job if they will cover relocation expenses.
If relocating is going to make a huge dent in your bank account, that might be a good reason to turn down the offer. There are many costs associated with moving, like finding a place to live, packing everything, transporting all your belongings, and furnishing your new home.
Many employers already work with commercial moving companies to relocate current employers, so don’t be shy to ask if your new employer will cover the costs of hiring help to pack and move your things, then you can seriously consider relocating.
Look at the Cost of Living
When you consider relocating, there are a ton of factors you have to think about, one of which is the cost of living in the new area.
You can compare the cost of living where you are now to where you are going to be with a cost of living calculator.
This is an important step in determining whether or not you can afford relocating, even if the job pays more. The cost of living differs for every city, so do your research! If the city you are relocating to is significantly more expensive but you still want to move, you will just have to readjust and cut back on certain expenses in order to afford living there.
Take Quality of Life into Consideration
Different people value different things in where they live. Some people want to be extremely close to a major city so they have access to more resources.
Some people want to be in a more urban area, where the closest city is hours away. Before you take the step to move, take into consideration the quality of life in that area. Look at things like gas prices, school districts, day cares, and weather conditions.
Consider your lifestyle. If you are planning on settling down and raising a family in your new location, you might want to make sure you are close to a good school district. Just a few things to keep in mind before making a big move!
Talk to Your Loved Ones
The hardest, but probably most important, step in deciding whether or not you should relocate is talking to your loved ones. You can make more money than you ever dreamed of with this job, but if that comes at the cost of losing relationships, is it really worth it?
If moving would completely unroot your personal life, it probably is not the best decision. Moving alone is one thing, but if relocating involves significant others and children, you have to take them into consideration. What about your partner’s job? What about your kid’s lives? Talk to your loved ones and see how they feel before making any big decisions. And if you do decide to move, make sure you plan how to stay in touch.
Relocating to a new city is a terrifying yet exhilarating process. Before you accept your job offer, weigh the pros and cons of moving and see if it truly is the best decision for you.
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