Relocating for a job can be a great step forward in a career, but it’s important that you understand the big decision you’re making before you accept the offer. Here are the top ten questions to ask yourself before shaking hands with your new boss and signing on the dotted line.
1. Do I like the new location?
Just because you’ve visited the city on a holiday once before, doesn’t mean you’ll love working in it. Have you thought about the freezing winters and sweltering summers you’ll need to work through? What’s the nightlife and culture like? If you’re considering making the move to a city or country you’ve never lived in before, you’re going to need to do a lot of research to figure out if you like the new location. If you can, visit the city before making your final decision.
2. What will be the cost of living?
One of the most important things to consider before relocating somewhere new for a job is the cost of living. If the experience of working in a new city is one you can only have on a specific budget, calculate how much it will cost you to live in your new home. Do the costs outweigh the new salary you’ll be earning?
3. How does my family feel about moving?
Whether your family is moving with you or not, you have their feelings to consider. If you have a spouse and children, talk to them about what they want and need. If you have elderly parents, speak to them about their concerns, especially if they’re dependant on you.
4. Will I enjoy the job and the new work environment?
There’s no point in relocating for a job if you’re not going to actually enjoy it. Think about the position you’ve been offered and consider what the job is going to mean for your career progression. If the job isn’t the best fit, it might be best to wait for the right opportunity to come around. Think about whether this is the work you want to be doing or not.
5. Are there schools nearby?
If you are relocating with your family and children, the location of your new home and job will impact on the school your children attend. You don’t want your kids to have to trek too far to school, especially if they too are unfamiliar with the new neighbourhood and city.
6. Will the new job benefit my career?
When accepting any new role, you should always consider the benefits to your career progression. If you have a goal in mind and you’re striving to achieve that, will this job get you there?
7. Have I negotiated the moving contract and allowance?
Moving house costs money, so be sure to negotiate the contract with your employer so that more of your expenses can be covered. A larger moving allowance will give you access to more mobility services such as school searches and cultural briefings that will help you and your family settle in to your new home quicker.
8. Do I know anyone in the new city?
Moving to a new city alone when you don’t know anyone there can be so difficult, it can ruin the experience of working overseas. If you know someone in the city, ask them if they’d be happy to help you settle in and show you around the place. Having a friend move with you can help make the entire process more enjoyable.
9. Who will be moving me, my stuff and my family, and how?
The actual experience of relocating from one city or country to another can affect the overall experience of relocating for work. That’s why it’s important to understand who your employer has hired to get you relocated for the job. At Grace, we offer a comprehensive range of relocation services to ensure your moving experience is as stress free as possible. We also help your family and pets make the move and settle in if they’re joining you.
10. What do I want?
Ultimately it comes down to what you want to do. If the move is something you’ve been waiting for, and something you really want to do, then go for it! Don’t miss out on the chance to live and work in a new city. On the other hand, if it’s an experience you’re not sold on, it might be worth holding off for now.
For help settling in to your new home or finding a place to live, get in touch with Grace Mobility. We offer a range of services to take away all the stress of moving overseas. For more information on how we can help you relocate, get in touch with us.
