Author: Zenresume Editorial Team
Updated on March 05, 2021
A transfer or a new job is consistently one of the top five reasons that people move, according to MyMove.com’s consumer insight survey.
Even if it’s common, moving for a job can be terrifying, and rightfully so.
As the founder of Transizion, a career prep company, I’m constantly asked by dozens of professionals about whether they should trade stability for a new job.
And that’s totally understandable.
Stability feels comfortable and safe. Uprooting your life for work often feels like a scary leap into the unknown.
But if you’re willing to take the plunge, moving for work also offers many benefits.
Before you decide that it’s simply not worth the risk, let’s look at the ways moving for a new job can improve your life.
Unsure if making a big move for work is right for you? Consider these five benefits as you weigh your options:
You can’t put a dollar amount on the value of new experiences.
In a survey conducted by IMPACT Group, 71 percent of respondents said that moving for work allowed them to enjoy new experiences, whether on the job or outside of the office.
A new location means new challenges, adventures, and opportunities.
You’ll sample new foods, experiment with new hobbies, and maybe even immerse yourself in a new culture.
Of course, you’ll also make new friends. If you haven’t developed deep friendships where you currently live, moving may bring you in contact with “your” people.
40 percent of respondents to the IMPACT Group survey said they found a better community (in the neighborhood or in the office) when they moved.
If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut or ready for a change, moving may be just the fresh start you need.
In addition to growing new friendships, you’ll also grow your professional network.
Are you moving from a small town to a larger city? Life in a big city offers significantly more professional connections.
Start networking even before you go by reaching out to people you know in the area, using your alumni group, or making connections on LinkedIn.
Once you arrive, start by getting to know your coworkers. You can also attend industry events and professional meetups.
As you meet people, let them know you’re new to town. Many will jump at the chance to make recommendations and help you acclimate.
Even if you aren’t moving to a big city, you’ll be able to combine your previous network with your new connections.
And if you work in a specialized field, some cities will present far more networking opportunities than others.
Initially, moving can be expensive. But relocating for work often benefits your finances in the long run.
Your new salary may be higher than your current salary. If it’s not, does the new job offer more opportunities for promotion (and a higher salary) than your current job?
Remember to think long-term. Will the move put you in a better financial situation in the next 5–10 years?
Additionally, the cost of living varies. For example, the value of a dollar in New York is 0.87 cents. In Ohio, it’s $1.12.
Be sure to factor cost of living into your calculations. Moving somewhere with a lower cost of living can be a major win for your bank account.
Your current job and city may offer limited opportunities. Reaching your full potential in your field might mean relocating.
In general, larger cities typically mean larger companies. And larger companies usually have more opportunities for growth.
As mentioned above, this can be especially true if you work in a specialized field. If you work in tech, for example, you may find the best opportunities in Silicon Valley, Austin, Dallas, or Seattle.
Relocating may be scary, but it often brings exciting opportunities that are out of reach in your current city.
Encountering new obstacles and re-establishing your life in a new place will build your self-reliance skills.
It’s a great time for reflection and self-discovery. You’ll become more independent, more courageous, and ultimately more confident.
Often, moving for a new job is great for both your personal and professional development. Instead of viewing the experience as terrifying, consider it a new and valuable adventure.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should pack up all your belongings and rent a U-HAUL right this minute.
Moving for a new job does offer many benefits, but it requires some thought and planning.
Before you make your final decision, ask yourself the following:
Finally, ask yourself:
If, worst-case scenario, I’m not happy with the move, what’s my exit strategy?
You don’t want to scare yourself or dwell on anything negative. However, it’s always smart to have a backup plan just in case.
Plus, having a backup plan can make you feel more confident and optimistic. You’ll know that if things don’t go according to plan, it’s not the end of the world.
After weighing the pros and cons and answering the above questions, you’ve decided to make the big move. Now what?
Follow these tips to ensure your move goes smoothly:
Have you ever relocated for a new job? How did it go? Would you ever relocate for a new job? What would be most exciting and most nerve-wracking about the experience?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments!