A little under 30% of people change jobs each year. For many, this means taking a position with another business in the local area.
For some, particularly those considering a change in career, this can mean relocating for jobs. Take someone considering a move into the tech field. That type of job often means moving to a tech hub, such as Austin or Boston. It’s a decision that requires careful consideration.
If you’re considering a job that means relocating, keep reading for five key factors you should weigh as part of your decision.
- Family/Relationships
Even a short-distance move to a nearby town can mean big changes for your family and relationships. A long-distance move amplifies the impact of those changes.
If you have kids, a move means pulling your kids out of their current school and familiar surroundings. It can also mean pulling your spouse away from a job they might love. While a new job might mean great things for you, it might mean something else entirely for your family.
- Quality of Life
Changing locations can also mean changes in your quality of life, for good or ill. Let’s say you live in the north and don’t enjoy winter. Changing your location to one of the states with warm weather might prove very appealing.
On the other hand, if you don’t like urban living and your new job is in a major city, that could mean a bit hit in the quality of life department.
- Cost of Living
Another consideration when relocating for jobs is the cost of living at the destination. In some locations, jobs paying $60,000 a year more than beat the local cost of living. In other locations, that kind of salary will mean a lot of belt-tightening.
- Company Stability
Before moving out of state, investigate the financial stability of the company offering you a job. While startups are often exciting, a lot of them fold in the early days. You don’t want to move somewhere, sign a lease, and then have the company close five months later.
- Is Remote Work a Possibility
Sometimes, you’re equally torn between a great career opportunity and a too-high toll on your family. For example, maybe your kid is going into the senior year or your spouse can’t find a job at the new location. While remote work wasn’t always popular, it’s practically a way of life now.
A lot of companies might accept that in lieu of making you relocate.
Relocating for Jobs – Is It Right for You?
Relocating for jobs is a common occurrence, but that doesn’t make it right for everyone. You must consider a wide range of factors, only some of them specific to your job.
You must balance your family situation against possible career advancement. You must consider whether your new salary will offset the cost of living at your new location. For that matter, you must decide if you’ll even like your new location.
Only after you settle those considerations will you know if relocation is right for you.
Looking for more career tips? Check some of the other posts on our blog.
