As someone who has been working since the age of 14, I know a thing or two about hustling and making the most of every opportunity. Something that has been both exciting and challenging throughout my professional career is having the chance to relocate for a job. Multiple times. I’ve had the chance to move across the country throughout several different states and what I have learned is to take a few things into account.
Here are some tips based on my own experience, may they help you make the right decisions for you as you consider relocating for an opportunity!
Cost of living
I’m from New York City where rent is expensive. I’ve relocated to Philly, Los Angeles, and Estes Park, CO. Every single one of these cities had its own set of costs to consider. Housing, groceries, transportation, and social activities. Make sure that when you’re considering relocating that you truly consider how much you’ll be making and how much you’ll be spending just to live your life.
Coming from NYC I never truly considered the price of Gas and the lack of reliable public transportation that I would have to deal with in Los Angeles.
Job Stability
Consider what the long-term potential for your new job really is. Have you researched the company’s financial stability, growth potential, and job security? What you don’t want to do is move to a new city just for a job, and then find out the job is unstable or not what you expected whatsoever. Granted, if you’re choosing a new city because of the city and not the job, this may not matter to you as much. Do think about what kind of jobs are available to you if the one you’re relocating to does not work out.
When I lived in Estes Park, I relocated for a one-year contract. I knew for a fact I was never going to stay in the mountains or in land-locked Colorado.
Support System
Moving to a new location can be challenging if you don’t have a support system or a community there. This doesn’t mean you can’t build it, it just means you are starting from scratch. Questions to reflect on before moving include: Do you have family or friends in the area? Are there groups or communities you can join to meet new people?
I didn’t consider my own support system until I moved to Los Angeles and was working remotely and living on my own in a city where my people were at least a 45-minute drive away from me, and this didn’t include the traffic I had to sit in. As much as I enjoyed my space and my flexibility, I missed my support system more than I could ever have imagined.
Relocation package
If you’ve been offered a job that’s asking you to relocate for it, negotiate a relocation package with your employer. This package can include covering the cost of moving, temporary housing, or other expenses related to the move. Take some time to discuss all aspects of the package and clarify any questions you may have.
Every job I relocated to offered me housing, but that’s because I’ve worked in residential institutions of learning. This came with its own set of headaches. But for sure, something to consider.
Research the new location
Before you move, research, research, and research some more. Look up the new location you are considering. Learn a bit about its culture, its history, its communities, its laws, and its social activities. If you have children, consider school districts, recreational activities, and other amenities. If possible, visit before moving. Understanding the area and what it has to offer can help you feel more comfortable and excited about the move.
I learned the hard way to consider these aspects. Mostly because I knew I would only be moving for 1-2 years at a time, I didn’t conduct as much research as I wish I had. Every single city I have lived in is completely different from where I grew up in NYC. And I couldn’t take a bodega with me. Not having a local corner store, a local train that could take me wherever, or 100’s restaurants within walking distance was something I could never get used to somewhere else, and something I realized that at this season in my life I could not be without.
Relocating has been exhilarating. It has allowed me to grow personally, grow my network, and partake in new experiences all around. I have never regretted moving. While the actual part of moving from home to home is exhausting, being in a new place, meeting new people, and learning about myself through it all, has been absolutely wonderful and something I urge everyone to try at least once.