6 Things to Consider Before Relocating for Work
It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned editor in the publishing industry, or starting a new career fresh out of college – a day may come when you might be asked or tempted to move for work-related reasons. If you’re in such a situation, your mind is probably filled with questions. That’s understandable, and it’s also why we’re here with these six things to consider before relocating for work.
Consider the Cost of Living
This is the one major factor that is grossly underestimated when it comes to considerations before relocating for work or a job. Sure, that new job may pay more than you’ve ever made, but if it requires you to relocate to a place where the cost of living is so high it makes your eyes water – then you might not be moving on the plus side. Put pencil to paper and crunch the numbers. If your new salary can’t cover what it takes to live in your new location, it might not be the best move.
Factor Your Benefits
Did you know that some benefits cannot be transferred to different states? If you relocate, certain governmentally funded benefits such as Medicaid or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) might not be available in your new state. Check with your benefits provider before you move. Otherwise, if you are on assistance such as disability and moving to a different state, that source of income might be jeopardized.
Think About Your Social Connections
If you don’t have any social roots, then this consideration might not be a factor. However, if you have deep ties to friends and family where you currently live, think twice about relocating for work.
It’s understandable and often healthy to branch out and experience new places with a new job or career. However, if the separation from your loved ones or social comfort zones might threaten your quality of life – relocating might not be as fulfilling as you may have hoped.
Consider Your Family’s Needs
If you are considering moving for a job and you have a family, your questions are likely limitless. Ideally, your move should allow you to provide for your family. However, do the research to ensure your family can thrive in their new location while you begin improving your lives with a better work opportunity.
For instance, look at schools your kids might attend in the new location. Also, look into extracurricular activities and other resources your family might need. No location is 100% perfect, but if your new location doesn’t meet the criteria you have for supporting your family, it might not be a wise step.
Check Out the Community and Neighborhood
This is another often overlooked consideration when moving for work. Deeply investigating the community and new neighborhood you’ll be living and working in is critical to your long-term success and happiness. You could have the best job opportunity imaginable, but if you live and work in a place that you find depressing or downright dangerous – that’s going to certainly crush your joie de vivre.
Get Clear About the Cost of Moving
Did you know the average cost of relocating to a different state is anywhere from $2000 – $6000 dollars? Remember, that’s just an average. The actual cost of moving can be astronomical. And even if you’re relocating on the cheap, little expenses along the way tend to add up to big bucks. With this in mind, be sure to make serious budget plans for moving costs.
You should also check with your new employer to see if they might cover some or all of the cost of moving. And if you do decide to relocate, make sure to factor that into your annual income tax reporting because you may be able to write off a move if the relocation was done for work-related reasons.
Conclusion
If you are faced with the decision to relocate for work, there could be endless positive possibilities in your future if you do. Moving to a new place for a new job can be exciting, rewarding, and ripe with potential. However, for all of its pros, moving can also come with its fair share of cons. That’s why we urge you to heavily contemplate all the suggestions mentioned here before saying “yes” to a new job in a new place.
