Relocating for a job can come with some additional stressors, so what do you need to consider before relocating your life for work?
It is that time of year again where, emboldened by the idea of a clean slate, people start to consider making some pretty big life changes, as the new year draws closer. One of the aspects that many people look to change is their professional life and that often comes in the form of relocation for work.
A career move, that is to say, a choice that literally removes you from the role and sees you relocate elsewhere can be daunting. There are so many unknowns. But it also brings fresh excitement and often is the catalyst for the next stage of your professional life. But when is the right time to really consider making a big change?
Is it a new year, new you?
While the festive period can give people the chance to take stock of the last 12 months and evaluate what is important, it is also a time of heightened feelings for many. Christmas and the New Year bring a happy buzz, work winds down and there tends to be a push, even pressure, to start making decisions now that can impact you for the rest of the year.
But it is important to resist making decisions based on new year’s resolutions or the idea that because the calendar has changed you need to as well. Don’t feel as though you have a limited time span to make a choice. Because you don’t, you can always choose to relocate, it is just about being patient and waiting for an opportunity that makes sense.
For example, you might consider a move at any point throughout the year, if it brings with it better pay, greater benefits, chances to upskill, a stronger network of peers and support, or simply if it gives you greater work-life balance. Essentially, don’t make yourself beholden to an arbitrary, made-up deadline.
Is it worth it?
In both our personal and professional lives we prioritise different things. Whether that is work-life balance, greater financial security, professional growth or a combination of goals, there are many reasons as to why relocation either is or isn’t on the cards. It is crucial that you consider what matters most to you and whether moving for work is truly in your best interests. For example, if your new location is in a pricier spot, you may find you have additional financial constraints, or if you enjoy having a close network of peers, you could struggle initially to develop relationships.
But while there are always going to be challenges, you should also be aware of the highlights, which can include (depending on the criteria of the move) increased opportunities for professional growth, a new network of peers, additional responsibilities, new adventures in a new place and a chance to reinvent yourself.
All work and no play
When you are thinking about making a career move you can get lost in the obvious, that is to say, you can easily forget that this decision doesn’t just impact your professional life or even just you. In taking that leap, often the right time is when you and those in your orbit, such as a partner, dependents, extended family and friends, have also come around to the idea.
So, before you actually go, it can be helpful to look ahead and make sure that any expectations and obligations you currently have now can be maintained when it comes time to move. That could be any important hobbies or communities you are a part of, that it has the necessary infrastructure to support your way of life and that in a year’s time, it is still a location you would want to live in.
If you are in a relationship or have dependents with additional needs, you may need to support them as they also work to relocate their lives, as well as ensuring that educational, social and health requirements don’t fall by the wayside.
If you are wondering when the best time to relocate for work is, the honest answer is that there is no right time, only a wrong one and that is when you are not in a position to have all of your needs met. Some, such as your finances, medical needs and infrastructure concerns, have to be met immediately, as they aren’t likely to be problems that will resolve themselves over time.
But other issues, such as career anxiety, a lack of a community and upskilling can be overcome if you put in the work. Once you weigh the pros against the cons and you better understand what you can’t thrive without, making that decision becomes a lot easier.
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