Things to Consider Before Relocating for a New Job
(Originally posted on LinkedIn)
Relocating for a great new opportunity is something that people do all of the time! However, uprooting your life is not something to take lightly. Are you considering going for that dream role across the country and relocation could be in your near future? Now more than ever, there are many logistics to think through before deciding that relocation is doable for you. Here are some things to ask yourself before you say yes to relocating.
Are you comfortable accepting this position without going onsite? If not, are you comfortable traveling right now to visit?
At this point, we are all aware of the trying times we are facing currently. With that being said, there are still plenty of amazing positions available and some may require you to relocate. Before you start the interview process, ask your recruiter or HR representative what the onsite requirements are for the interviews. Some employers may still be looking to bring you onsite for that final interview. Are you comfortable doing that right now? On the later, you could be offered a position without ever being onsite. Are you comfortable accepting this role sight unseen? There are all questions you need to be asking ahead of time so you know what to expect!
Who else would be helping to make this decision? Have you discussed it with them? Are they onboard?
It is important to discuss the possibility of a new city with your family or anyone else who could be affected. Maybe your partner would need to find a new job, or your kids a new school. You should be having open and honest conversations and doing the research together before putting yourself in the running. Maybe your son needs to be within driving distance to an ice hockey rink! Maybe having a Trader Joe's nearby is a non-negotiable! You have to know what the deal-breakers are upfront so you can be sure this is something your family can consider seriously.
Are you selling a house? What does the market look like in your area? What date can you commit to relocating by?
These are all vital questions to think about and more importantly, be realistic about! If your new employer is expecting you to relocate and start onsite within 30 days, you need to have a well thought out plan. Is it feasible for you to rent out or sell your house in that time frame? Figure out what your current housing market looks like and make sure you are going into the interview process with realistic expectations and being upfront about your current situation.
Will you be renting or buying once you relocate? What neighborhoods have you narrowed it down to?
Spend some time doing your research on the city and try to figure out where you would feel most at home! If you are going onsite to interview, you will have your list of areas to check out in person. If you are relocating somewhere you're not all that familiar with, consider doing a 6-12 month lease initially. That way you haven't fully committed to a certain spot before you really have the chance to dig your heels into the culture and neighborhoods! You may realize a few months in that you prefer another side of town, and that's okay! Once you have really immersed yourself in your new city, you will be confident in your decision to put down more permanent roots.
At the end of the day, it is better to take more time upfront doing your homework on relocation before you pull the trigger. That way, once an offer is presented to you, there is nothing holding you back from accepting and starting this new chapter!