Sometimes job opportunities arise that are simply too good to pass up even if they require relocation. Moving to a new area can be tough socially, mentally, and often times financially. It can also, however, be an exciting chance to meet new people and expand your social horizons. If your place of employment wants you to relocate, you need to consider all of your options before you jump at the opportunity, no matter how good it may seem. Most of the time your job will help you with relocation costs, so paying for your new career will likely be covered. However, if you are relocating to a new city with the intention of finding a new job then you are on your own and will have to pay your own way. You need to have your finances in order before you pick up and move.
Create Your Social Connections
Unless you know people, when you first move to a new city everything will be new to you. You won’t know your neighbors and you’ll have no contacts. It can be a tough situation to adjust to, but you need to focus on your social life in order to improve your situation. Be talkative and social. Enjoy the nightlife. Make arrangements with your coworkers to eat dinner or partake in recreational activities. The more people you meet the better. Not only will you start to acclimate with new social groups, but you will also stave off the boredom. Find ways to meet new people, because you never know who you might become friends with.
Relocation and Your Resume
If your company is willing to commit to sending you long distance to work at another branch, you can rest assured that you will be able to keep your career for the long haul. Moving an employee costs money, so your place of employment won’t be wasting valuable company resources. Also, you should highlight the relocation on your resume, because it shows that you are truly an expert in your field. It’s a rarity that a company would send an underqualified or incapable employee to a new location. Take advantage of this situation because highlighting your experience will definitely help you later in your career. If a company is willing to take this big of a risk on you then other people will notice.
Finding Living Arrangements
One of the toughest parts about moving to a new city can be finding a reasonably priced apartment in a good area, especially if you are moving on short notice. If possible, you should always travel to the location you are interested in renting, because no amount of personal internet research can truly reveal the condition or surrounding neighborhoods. Typically your company will provide you with a stipend to help cover the costs of hotel / flight /meals while you are looking for a place, so take advantage of this arrangement. If your company provides relocation assistance, take advantage of it because they can also help you find a new apartment. Also, ask any coworkers where they are living and consider finding a place at or near them. This will not only help you with your morning commute since you’ll have the ability to carpool or tag along to find the bus / train schedules, but it will also help you socially since you might not know any people living in the area.
Packing up and leaving your life behind to move for work can be an exciting yet rewarding experience. It is an excellent resume builder and helps you climb the ranks within your organization. Sometimes these types of promotions will naturally come your way through hard work and dedication, but other times it comes down to making a personal effort to find a new job at the same company. Once you arrive to your new area, your first priority should be getting your living arrangements established and making a great first impression on your new managers / coworkers. Focus on the social aspect after you have everything else figured out.
Matthew Welch
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