Relocating to a new city is always stressful. What makes the experience even more stressful is when the move is prompted by a career change. There is no denying that moving your family across the country is never easy, even when a major job promotion is involved.
So what do you do? First, you need to buckle down and do a lot of research upfront. There are a number of factors to consider before you make a final commitment. Below are our top 5 tips on making the best job relocation decision for you and your family.
Job relocation starts with an offer. And deciding whether to move starts with evaluating the ins and outs of that specific offer. The best way to do this is to start by asking yourself a number of questions upfront.
- Is the job stable?
- Will relocation be required again in the future?
- Will you and your family like to live in the new city?
- Does the move come with a substantial raise or put you on the path to your dream job?
- Will the move negatively affect your relationships?
- Will you be happy with the move?
The answers to these questions will affect everyone differently. Everything depends on your own personal needs, preferences, and priorities. It always pays off to spend as much time as you need to work through such a complicated decision.
The majority of companies are more than happy to help with employee relocation. So make sure you have what you need to move before you do so. Negotiate with your company on your relocation package until it includes exactly what you require.
The main factor in a relocation package is usually financial assistance with the move. There are four main ways your employer can help you with this.
- Lump Sum - You're given a set amount of money to help with your move. You must make all your own moving arrangements.
- Reimbursement - You pay for your moving costs yourself. Your company reimburses you for them at a later date.
- Direct Bill - Set up direct billing so your company receives the bills for your moving costs themselves.
- 3rd Party - Your company hires a 3rd party service to take care of your relocation needs.
Once again, the option you choose should be based on your own individual needs and preferences.
Finding a new home is never easy. And it's even more difficult when you're looking for a new home in a city across the country, quite possibly a city you've never visited. That's why it's important to start your search for a new home as soon as you've accepted your job relocation offer. See this site here for more information on finding a new home.
Don't skimp on the research. Dig into the details of each neighborhood to find the perfect fit. Pay particular attention to demographics, nearby attractions, crime rates, schools, cost per square foot, and walking score. Familiarize yourself with the major neighborhoods in town so you know what to expect when you get there.
Packing and moving is perhaps the most difficult part of job relocation. So get started as soon as you can. Depending on your situation, you might want to hire a professional moving service to help.
Though a lot goes into the moving process, there are a few key tips to remember. These include:
- Pack valuables in a secure location.
- Be sure to bring important documents and paperwork.
- Take time to weed out items you don't need (especially clothes).
- Consider selling old furnishings and buying new ones for your new home.
- Perform an initial walkthrough to ensure you haven't missed anything important.
Job relocation isn't all about a career change. It's also about a change of lifestyle. So why not explore your new city and really see everything that it has to offer?
Take some time to get out of the house and go out on town. Take in the city's most popular and well-known attractions. Try a new restaurant or go see some local entertainment. Getting a solid feel for the city will help validate your move.
Job relocation isn't easy. In addition to the stress of starting a new job at a new office, the process of moving is strenuous in itself. Yet when you step back, take a deep breath, and follow our five job relocation tips above, the entire process gets a lot easier. It's important to remember that your move is for the best and that everything will work out one way or another.
Isabel Parkes works in executive recruitment and always likes to take the opportunity to share her ideas and tips on making the most of your career path with an online audience. She is a regular writer for a number of business and lifestyle websites.
Abbi Gabasa is the Managing Editor of MsCareerGirl.com and owner of UpraisedLiving.com. Having the background of a Marketing and Public Relations Manager with years of professional experience in various industries has given her an insightful perspective on careers, lifestyles, relationships, and attitudes which she humorously applies in helping people through her writing. Abbi is a training life coach, and an advocate of children's charities, women empowerment, optimistic thinking, and slow Sundays. A self-confessed Jane of all trades, she hopes to help girls all over the world find their calling and pursue their passions.
