The allures of higher pay, a new city and new adventures often draw employees to give up their current jobs and relocate for opportunities with other companies. While relocating for work can offer benefits, it also often brings unexpected drawbacks. From higher living costs to personal life changes, workers must assess what job relocations may bring before making their final decisions. The following are four specifics to consider before accepting a job offer in a new city.
Review the Pay Difference
Relocating for work can be expensive. From paying for a moving van to putting down a deposit on a new apartment, the costs can quickly accumulate. Before relocating for work, review the pay difference between your current workplace and the new job offer. A new pay rate should typically be significantly higher than a current job to cover the costs of moving and settling into the new city. If you don’t think the new pay rate will be sufficient, negotiate for a larger salary with the new company or stay in your current job.
Assess Housing Costs
Housing costs vary significantly from one location to another. If you’re thinking of relocating from a small town to a large city, assess the difference in housing costs this will bring. You may be shocked at the increased cost of apartments in the new location and the size of living space you’ll receive for the money. By knowing how much to expect in living costs, you can then ensure the new salary will cover those expenses without damaging your finances.
Consider Personal Life Changes
If you’ve spent years building a social network in your current community, consider what will happen to that network after relocating for work. Often, personal ties fade quickly when individuals move away and making friends in the new location may not be as easy as you had assumed. Before relocating for work, consider how you would feel leaving your friends behind and how comfortable you are building a social network in the new location.
Get to Know the Company
Imagine relocating across the country for a new job only to discover you don’t fit in with the company’s culture. It happens. To avoid being miserable in a new city in a job you despise, get to know the company before accepting the job offer. From spending a day in the office getting to know your coworkers to reviewing the working conditions, do what’s needed to ensure the work environment will be a great match for you.
After being stuck in the same job for several years, you may be thrilled at the prospect of relocating to a new city and a new company. While this could end up being an exciting and rewarding change, it’s a shift that must be made with realistic expectations. Before relocating for work, understand the costs and personal sacrifices you may end up making. This will ensure you don’t move too fast on a less-than-ideal job offer.
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