Jobhop Jobhop's blog : Relocating for a Job Doesn't Need to Be Scary: Why People Relocate & What to Consider

Moving to a different city or country can bring out different emotions; scary and stressful, or exciting and challenging, potentially all four. Having to settle down and adapt to the new place, job and people is difficult and a few things should be taken into consideration in order to make the process smoother. We've prepared an overview of the reasons for job relocation and the most important things you should take a look into before you start with your new challenge.

So, you're thinking about moving for a new job?

Why do people relocate? The benefits of moving can seem so obvious, whilst the hurdles along the way not so. There are often multiple reasons for job relocation, ones that can bring about big changes in terms of social life, finances, and of course country! Some of these include:

You need a change

Most people relocate to new places because they're not quite satisfied with the place they're living. Maybe there is no job satisfaction in the area where they live, or there is no excitement, or the climate may not suit them. Whatever the reason may be, the main thing is that they're not happy and need to move to greener pastures to give them satisfaction.

For some, a holiday will do, for others, a move across the country or continent can be just the medicine. If something new is what you want, relocation is for you.

Relocation allows you to work with different people and enjoy cultures you haven't before

This is especially applicable when relocating for a new job in a different country, though you'd be surprised at the difference between counties, regions, or cities. These all bring interaction with new people, and different cultures, often including some very tasty food and potentially long-term friendships.

Costs of living can dramatically vary from location to location

This may serve as a slight negative in some cases, but one thing to note when relocation for a job is the difference in the price range in terms of cost of living. This includes anything from rent prices to the cost of a pint down the local. As much as I love London, the price of a cold pint up North is always tempting.

Experience a new work environment

Silicon Valley is well known for its hub of modern offices complete with chill-out pods, football tables, and canteens. You'll be pleased to know this isn't the only location where the work environment differs, both in terms of culture, and day to day of the workplace.

Personal reasons

Moving for personal reasons and not because your job entails it can mean that life isn't really comfortable enough to remain where you are and where you've possibly been for a long time already. Reasons for moving could be because the home has become too small for your expanding family and there is no longer enough space.

The weather

With certain health problems the weather may no longer be suitable to live in. In such cases, it's better to take care of one's health and move to a place that is more comfortable and suitable for your state of health. Some people can't bear the cold and the ice, while others don't like the warm weather and prefer cool areas. So each to their own and there's no need to live in a place where you don't feel good anymore.

Work for a business only located in certain areas

If you want to work for a certain business, you're lucky if you live within commutable distance. Relocation can be very positive when it means you'll be working for your dream company.

A need to find excitement

After living in the same place for long enough, people suddenly feel that life is passing them by and they need a change and some excitement in it. This is when they opt for a change and get adventurous in selecting a place where there will be new cultures to tackle, new kinds of food and a totally new and exciting experience. It will be exciting to wake up in the morning to the view of a new sunrise or the new sounds of birds chirping or maybe if you've moved to a place of hustle and bustle, the sound of traffic.

Considerations to make before relocating for a new job:

Closely evaluate the new job offer - Be sure to review the offer you receive very closely to ensure the salary is in line with the cost of living in the new location. You can find a wealth of information on the internet about cities. There are also many online calculators that will tell you how far your money will go in a specific location.

Visit the new location - Take a trip to the new area and be sure to take your family if you have family members moving with you. Their opinions should count. Take a look around, get a feel of the area and make sure it's somewhere you feel you can live.

Your partner and family - This is a number one. Always gauge your partner or family's thoughts on relocating for a new job as it will affect their lives as well as yours.

Money matters - It's very important that you plan your finances carefully before you take the step of relocation. Assess how much is the cost of living, bills, council tax, transport, average prices of food, clothes and necessities and make a calculation. If you know someone who already lives there, it might be worth asking them about their main expenditures. Also be prepared to have enough money for at least one full month of living before your first wage.

Moving expenses - Check with the new employer and get in writing the specifics of how they will assist you in your relocation cost - moving your household goods, temporary housing, and travel. Make sure you have a plan to pay for that expenses that the company won't cover.

Tax rules - They differ from country to country, so it's important to check them so you'll know how much you will actually be earning. If it's unclear, hire a tax advisor. You can find more about taxation in the UK on the government website here.

Visa application - Do not forget. This is a time-consuming task, so it's important to start in advance. More information on visas can be found here.

Accommodation - Make sure you arrange accommodation before you arrive in the country, preferably temporary. Bear in mind that you might need to have a copy of your employment contract and a local bank account to be able to rent or buy a house/flat. Hence, getting something temporary is a better idea, until you sort out your paperwork and get to know the place and available accommodation. It's always a good idea to check local associations of estate agents for tips and specific information.

A great place to start looking for temporary accommodation is Spare Room which enables you to find places with a spare bedroom or join with others to rent a place. Alternatively, there are many great property sites like Zoopla.

Relocation package - Have you asked if there is a relocation package available to you? This can depend on the company policy and the supply of your skill set within the area, but do make sure to check with your future employer or recruiter first, every little helps.

Bank accounts - Let your bank back home know about your future location. If you use your card abroad without notifying your bank, there is a chance they will block your card for security purposes. Also, as soon as you arrive, you will need to open a local bank account, so you can receive your wage and pay your rent.

Health insurance - Check the health regulations in your new country and if you're insured straight away. Make sure you bring all your health and immunisation records so your future GP is aware of them. EU members moving to another EU country, don't forget to apply for an EHIC card, which entitles you to free state-provided medical help.

School arrangements for kids - Don't forget to bring their educational certificates they have acquired. Also, if you think they need additional help with the language, speak immediately to their school or your council.

Actual move - Pack separately items that you need straight away and not so urgent ones. Moving things from country to country can be a little stressful, so try to dispose of as much unnecessary stuff as possible and enlist the help of friends and family where possible.

Culture shock - This is something very important that you need to be aware of before you arrive in your new location. Culture shock is the way people react when they change their familiar surroundings with brand new atmosphere, food, people, climate, culture, and way of living. Everyone deals with it in different ways, some might not even realise they're experiencing it. You may feel anxious, confused, emotional, distressed...don't worry; it's normal and gradually disappears with time. Your new co-workers should help massively with this, as will getting out and exploring and embracing the culture.

Important final note: Always have a Plan B in case your new job doesn't work out. You will need to know what you will do in the new location if you find yourself back on the job market.

Relocating for a new job doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds, and can open up a mass of opportunities both professionally and personally.