Considerations Before Relocating for a Job

Career changes aren’t uncommon, and people decide to switch for various reasons. But, changing jobs in the same city or community is different than relocating for a job. That’s especially true if you’re planning on going to a completely different province.

If a job in a different area looks appealing, you might be tempted to pack up and go right away. But, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind before making a drastic move. In many cases, a career change can be exciting and beneficial. But, when you’re uprooting your life from one location to another, it’s important to make absolutely sure you’re considering every possibility.

With that in mind, let’s dive deeper into some of those considerations, so you can develop more peace of mind on whether relocating for a job is the right decision for you.

Cost of Living vs. Salary

Again, people tend to consider different careers for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common factors include:

• A poor work-life balance
• No opportunities for growth
• A toxic work environment
• You’re looking for more challenges

Another common reason people look elsewhere is because they feel they aren’t making enough money in their current position. In Canada, some provinces offer more opportunities than others. For example, salaries in Quebec are on the rise, and it’s also the province with the largest job vacancy rate.

Financial implications are important to consider when you’re thinking about relocating. You might find a job with a higher salary, but the cost of living in that area could be higher. Think about the current cost of your home and what it would be instead if you moved. Would your new salary be able to cover that cost? Other financial factors to consider include:

• Growth potential
• Commute time
• Work schedule
• Responsibilities

All of those things could either cost more or less money, or could result in you investing more of your time into your job. If a new job opportunity gives you the promise of growth with a salary allows you to live comfortably, it may be something to consider. But, if the cost of living in a new city outweighs whatever pay raise you might get, you’ll have to look at other factors to determine whether a move is right for you.

Settling Into a New City

Another important consideration is to ask yourself if you want to settle in somewhere new. It can be difficult to get acclimated to a neighborhood at first. Thankfully, technology has made it easier to build a network before you officially make a move. You can even set up a remote job interview to get a feel for the position and the company before you make a trip to a different location.

You can also start to build a professional network before you make a decision on whether to relocate. It might require you spending some time in that new place, but events and meetings that are related to your industry can make a big difference. These networking events can give you a feel for whether you’ll fit in or whether you think the environment is right for you.

If you do decide to move, attending these events ahead of time can help you to form relationships from the start, which can make it easier to feel welcome in a new place. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone to meet new people in a new place. It’s the best way to determine whether you’ll feel at home in a new location whether you’re new to the industry or not.

Is it the Right Time to Make a Change?

The biggest thing to ask yourself before relocating for a job is what you truly want. Who do you want to be, and what do you want to achieve? When you’re able to answer that, deciding whether to relocate can become clearer.

While it’s important to do your research and consider all aspects of relocation, it’s equally important not to overthink things. You could paralyze your thoughts by overanalyzing everything, and may end up talking yourself out of a good opportunity. Many times, ‘going with your gut’ is a smart option, as long as the research you’ve done can back up your instincts.

Related Posts: These Jobs Will Be in Demand in 2020 in Canada

How To Be A Better At-Home Worker

6 Futuristic Jobs in Finance

About the Authors

Jori Hamilton is an experienced freelance writer residing in the Northwestern U.S. She covers a wide range of subjects but takes a particular interest in covering topics related to job/career search, HR, recruitment, and productivity. To learn more about Jori, you can follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to joining BCJobs.ca, Simon was an advisor for several global blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. In the past, he also worked with Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space through SM Digital—a global marketing agency.