It can be all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting a new job, possibly with an increase in salary and a whole host of other exciting benefits. However, if you have to relocate for this position, there are several essential considerations that you need to give thought to.
From examining the effect, the move will have on your family, to ensure that your expected salary will cover your new living costs, keep reading to find out the five main elements you need to consider before relocating for a new job.
1. Your New Living Costs
If you are thinking about uprooting your family, or even just yourself to start a new job, then it is highly likely that you have been offered more money to do so. While this can be an attractive proposition, you need to make sure that this increase in wages covers the living expenses of your new neighborhood.
For example, did you know that the cost of living in Manhattan is a whopping 154% higher than the national average?
You would need a pretty hefty salary increase to justify this increase in general living expenses!
Fortunately, there is a quick and straightforward online cost of living tool that you can use to calculate the salary you would need to earn in any particular city to match your current standard of living.
2. Your Current Relationship Status
If you are single and child-free, it is a lot easier to make the decision to relocate for a new job. You have no dependents, and if the worse does happen and you end up not liking your new position, then it is only yourself who will be affected.
However, if you have a family and children who are currently enrolled in the local schools, there is a lot more at stake.
It is crucial that you take into consideration your partner’s career goals and how the move will affect them, plus, the impact relocation will have on your children.
It can be a good idea to ask yourself how outstanding this new job is to you. Is it purely a case of more money? Or have you wanted to transition into a new career for some time now?
3. Your New Company’s Outlook
Although being a part of a new enterprise may sound exciting, and you may be offered a position that ranks much higher than your current one, you need to be realistic regarding the future of the company. Of course, they may flourish, and you will reap the rewards of a successful new business. However, there is also the chance that the venture will fail or not have sufficient funds to continue to employ you and then you will have uprooted your life for only a short-term opportunity.
4. Your New Hometown
If you currently live a long way away from the city where your potential new job will be, it can be tempting to simply look at pictures online and read local reviews to get a feel of the area. However, the Internet can be deceiving, and what one person loves about a particular place, another will hate, so you should definitely take the time to visit a new place before you commit to living there.
5. Your Relocation Package
As well as an increase in salary, many companies offer relocation packages to new employees who have to move for a position. If your potential new employer has not yet mentioned this, it can be a good idea to talk to their HR department about this.
You may be able to negotiate a moving expense reimbursement or even a relocation bonus. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Plus, if they want your expertise and experience enough, they should be willing to pay for it!