Considering relocating for work?
Relocating for work is a big decision that shouldn’t be decided quickly. As an area of considerable attention during the last few years, there have been many studies carried out that aim to identify the key trends and reasons for and against moving for work. According to research by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, during the past decade 11% of job seekers relocated for work compared to 19% in the previous decade. A report featured in the Harvard Business Review found that less women than men would be willing to relocate for work as well as less older, experienced candidates vs. their younger counterparts.
There are many facts to consider when deciding if a relocation is the right thing, below we have outlined four of the main things to consider.
CONSIDER: BETTER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
It’s not always a given, but it is likely that relocating will increase the probability of career progression. For example, in a study completed by Glassdoor, 55% of respondents who relocated to a prime location felt like their career was on a better track as a result. Getting to grips with a new city or country can help develop the international experience required to access the top job within an organisation. It’s also important to consider if the position is a step up – is it key location for your specific field? Will there be other job opportunities in the area if this one doesn’t work out? Finally, will there be opportunities available in the new location that will allow networking with industry peers?
CONSIDER: EARNING POTENTIAL
Money should not be the only influencing factor when deciding whether or not to relocate, but it should definitely play a part. Will the new opportunity offer an increase in pay or would it be a lateral move? It’s also important to consider if the new location has a higher cost of living or if the commute will be more expensive. These things need to be taken into consideration before moving just for an uplift in salary.
CONSIDER: FAMILY IMPACT
The impact of a move on family – in particular a spouse or partner should not be underestimated. What would the move mean to their career? It may be that they are happy to relocate and seek out a new challenge but as discussed by the Harvard Business Review, this can cause a spouse to put a career on hold – which will damage their progression in the long term. ‘Trailing spouse syndrome’ can be another stumbling block. Issues such as loneliness, lack of direction and relationship problems can all occur as a result of a family relocating for work. Moving with children is an additional challenge. Reluctance to relocate when children are teenagers is common and oversharing with younger children can cause anxiety and hesitancy when a move comes to fruition. It’s important to take these factors into consideration when deciding if relocation is the next step.
CONSIDER: IS A TRIAL-RUN AN OPTION?
Relocation is an expensive experience. If possible, a temporary move to the new location is a great way to see if it’s a viable option. A short-term relocation or secondment is becoming a common solution for those who are unsure if a permanent relocation will work – almost a “try before you buy” opportunity.
Are you looking to set up your own technology start up? Have a look at our article detailing 8 of the best cities to set up, here. Do you have experience of relocating for work? We’d love to hear your thoughts – let us know at [email protected].
