Networking and Career Advice

Moving for a Job: Is it the Right Choice?

Christa Reed

Content Creator


One of the big decisions you get to make in your adult life is where to set up your home base and establish yourself. Another significant decision you will face is whether to move that home base and relocate for a new job position, and this is not an easy one. You will probably be wrestling with many thoughts and factors to consider, and things get even more complicated if you have a partner and a family. You also need to find a way to cope with leaving your old job that minimizes the stress of this big decision. So, to help you along, we have the tips you can turn to when faced with moving for a job. Is it the right choice for you? Let’s find out.

Moving For a Job – Decision Time

You got a work proposal. The position is great, but before you accept the job offer, there’s a catch. You have to relocate for it. It can be a few towns over or all the way across the country. So, what do you do? Well, there is no simple way to answer this question. 

Moving for a job is not the same as just moving. Accepting a job in a new place has a much shorter deadline than deciding on a change of scenery and then focusing on finding employment. It can indeed be beneficial to your personal and professional development, but it is also a gamble and a step into the unfamiliar. Here are some thoughts to consider while deciding whether or not to relocate.

The Salary 

You should consider cost of living when thinking about moving for a job.

If you’re relocating for a similar position in a different city, you should think about the financial consequences of doing so. It’s doubtful that you’re thinking about moving for a job if it doesn’t give you a higher salary or more possibilities. However, if the pay is the same on paper, you need to carefully examine the living costs in your new location.

The cost of living in your new town is an essential factor to consider. It is the amount of money required to maintain a given standard of life, taking into account basic expenses, such as:

  • Housing 
  • Food 
  • Transportation
  • Clothes
  • Entertainment

Your new location might have much higher living costs, making it harder to sustain a certain lifestyle even with a salary raise. Some relocation packages include a cost-of-living stipend. While it is not a guarantee, your company may offer a one-time lump-sum relocation incentive or a time-limited allowance.

Relocation Costs

Another thing you need to consider before making your decision is the costs of moving. As mentioned, you may be provided with a relocation package to help with the relocation costs. This can be either in the form of a flat amount or a more detailed compensation package, depending on your employer, job, and salary level.

Some companies will pay only for your moving truck, while others will cover the costs of professional moving services, a relocation mortgage, and even a down payment on your new home. You need to check with your employers what exactly they are willing to help with before signing your new contract.

Your Spouse and Children

If you are single and don’t have kids, relocating for a job can be a welcome change. You get to explore a new city with all the great new possibilities. However, if you have a partner and children, they become a significant factor in the decision. It stands to reason that you must be confident that the move is in everyone’s best interests. Relocating your loved ones’ entire lives will almost definitely cause some stress at first. It should be your top priority to think about your family and help them deal with the move.

Many times, people decide against moving for a job because of their spouse’s jobs. You need to consider your spouse’s professional prospects and their general well-being in the new environment. You should also examine what kind of education your children will get, and where they are in their educational path. A high-schooler will probably have a tough time leaving their friends and the life they already established, while younger children might be easier to negotiate with.

Your Future Career Plans

When deciding whether or not to move, consider the prospects for professional growth in addition to the possibility for increased quality of life. Before you put in your two weeks notice, place all of the pros and cons on a piece of paper and weigh your options. If you’ve been with your current employer for a long time and are a long-term resident, starting over someplace else, even if it’s financially advantageous, may be risky. 

However, a work relocation that aligns well with where you see yourself in five years is a risk worth taking. But first, ascertain that the company is on solid ground, allowing it to continue to be a suitable option for the future.

The New City

Last but not least, you need to ensure you like the new city before you choose to move. Pictures are nice, but if you’ve never visited the location, you should do so before responding to your boss’s offer of a job change. Plan to visit in person and stay for a couple of days to get a full sense of the area. 

If you’re coming from a climate where the weather is relatively constant, you’ll need to be realistic about your capacity to cope with different temperatures as well. This might also imply significant expenses in clothes and equipment to ensure you are prepared for the weather.

Final thoughts

Leaving your home and moving for a job means life as you know it is about to change. But change is great – it’s what keeps our days interesting! The more you research and reflect, the more you will grasp what is essential to you in a career and a location, making your decision easier. We are confident it’s going to be a good one! Good luck.

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