You might be thinking of moving to improve your job prospects, looking for a change of scenery and lifestyle, or you could have simply decided it’s time to leave your job and move on.
No matter the circumstances, relocating can be a difficult decision for any job seeker. The mere process of moving house can be stressful enough without the prospect of changing roles and suddenly living in an unfamiliar environment.
There’s no doubt that moving for a job comes with a number of considerations, but the process can be much simpler and more positive if you follow these essential relocating tips:
Start by finding a new position
Without securing a position ahead of time, relocation can be stressful and challenging. For that reason, you might want to consider negotiating a relocation package with your current company or even finding a different career opportunity if you’re not quite satisfied with your current position. In either case, do some research on available vacancies in your sector and the most suitable locations for a move.
For example, a large city could provide more opportunities than your small hometown. Then, refine your CV accordingly, start looking for new positions, and even reach out to any contacts you might have in your desired location to ensure success.
Plan your finances accordingly
Landing a new position in a new location always comes with a new lifestyle, and it might even offer higher pay as well. However, the process of relocating will undoubtedly be costly on its own. Apart from the common moving expenses you might expect, a change of location could also mean a difference in the cost of living, especially if you’re moving from rural to more urban areas.
To that end, consider the rent and renting expenses, find out the average cost of groceries, and include the utilities, transportation, and other expenses as well. This calculation will allow you to create a more appropriate budget that will make relocating a smoother and more stress-free experience.
Plan the journey in advance
After you’ve found a suitable role and took care of financial matters, planning the journey to your new destination will be another important step when relocating for work. If possible, try to visit the location before moving and get to know the neighborhood. If not, it’s still recommended to set some time aside to plan a schedule.
Consider the time it would take you to make the journey, think about whether you’d like to move in several spaced out trips or a single one, make the necessary arrangements you might need for work such as setting up the internet, and don’t forget about transportation options, whether that means renting a vehicle, traveling in your own, or getting more familiar with local public transport.
Find suitable accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is a crucial aspect of any relocation and should be sorted out before the final move. Once you know your needs and priorities, finding some likely apartments for rent shouldn’t be too hard. From pricing and swimming pools to floor plans and the availability of fitness centers–most modern apartment finders and specialized search tools let you easily filter your way to your ideal place.
Regardless of your chosen destination, finding a great accommodation with plenty of amenities and a good neighborhood will be essential for adapting to your new environment more easily.
Begin growing a network
It might also be wise to begin building a network before you finally move. You can turn to LinkedIn and find professionals in the area you could connect with, or even local company branches and organizations you could join.
Social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter can also be of great help as well, allowing you to find friends with similar interests and professionals with similar careers in the new location. This form of networking won’t only provide new business opportunities, but it might allow you to settle in and feel at home in the new destination as well, which is why it’s advised to do it as soon as possible.
Schedule meetings and events
Once you’ve finally relocated to your new destination, scheduling business meetings and attending networking events will be essential for expanding your network and establishing yourself as a professional locally.
While networking with your new colleagues is important, don’t restrict yourself to your new place of work. You can reach out to any connections you’ve made through social media, and attend regular meetings and conferences in the area as well.
Spending time with locals will provide you with some insider knowledge of the new environment, while also allowing you to make some meaningful professional connections that could be quite valuable for the advancement of your career.
Although exciting, relocating can be an overwhelming experience for many job seekers. Keep these considerations in mind to turn relocating into a better, more well-rounded process.
