In life, there comes a time when people have to make big decisions for their own good. One of those decisions has something to do with professional growth. Career advancement is perhaps the ultimate goal of every worker out there. To make that happen, employees have to be in a great working environment. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there have been a lot of changes in work setups.
Many companies have transitioned their employees to remote work so that they can continue their operations during the lockdowns. Others are considering hybrid work, with some employees working from home and some in the office, to reduce close contact and comply with social distancing guidelines. Return-to-office plans are also underway thanks to the recent development of COVID-19 vaccines and rapid vaccination rollout. It goes without saying that business leaders are making adjustments to adapt to the current situation.
As company decisions are made, employees need to follow and adjust quickly to continue with their work. In fact, based on survey findings, 80 percent of workers are willing to relocate for work amid the pandemic to advance their careers.
Factors to Consider When Relocating for a Job
Relocating for a job is life-changing because it has a significant impact on someone’s personal and professional life. This career move can turn into a disaster if you don’t think things through carefully and plan your next steps accordingly.
If you’re offered a job opportunity that requires moving to another city, state, or any other location, there are some factors that you should consider first before packing your bags.
Cost of Living
To live comfortably, you should be able to afford your basic needs. This means that your salary should be enough to pay for your groceries, rent, transportation costs, and other miscellaneous goods and services.
Each city has a different cost of living, so it’s imperative to know the difference between your current city and the city you’ll be transferring to. For example, according to the Council for Economic and Community Research, New York is the most expensive place to live in the US.
Before moving to a different location, make sure that you won’t be struggling to make ends meet.
Housing Options
Your new home should be a place where you can relax after a long day at work. If you’re low on budget, you can consider temporary housing options like Airbnbs and sublets. Some companies offer corporate housing so that their employees won’t have difficulty looking for a residence.
Renting a place for a while allows you to adjust to your new environment first. There are some cases where employees end up leaving their job and moving back to their old city because they weren’t able to adjust well.
If things go well at work and you enjoy what your new city has to offer, it’s time that you find a permanent housing setting. You can consider buying a house, an apartment unit, or a condo unit.
Condos are usually cheaper than houses. They’re also more convenient to live in for single employees because they have lower maintenance requirements. To secure your property and protect yourself against losses, you can get insurance. You can schedule an appointment with an agent to learn more about your options and get a condo insurance quote. Having your own personal condo policy will protect you from theft, vandalism, and other types of damages like fire damage, water damage, and more.
Moving Expenses
Of course, when you relocate, you’ll have to bring your things with you. Household items like furniture and appliances require heavy lifting, so moving them from one place to another can be very challenging and tiring if you do it by yourself.
For hassle-free relocation, you should consider hiring a moving company. They will help you load, transport, and unload your things. They will also ensure that everything will arrive at your new place in one piece.
Employee Relocation Package
Relocating for a job can cause financial stress on employees. That’s why many companies offer a relocation package to accommodate the needs of their workforce. Ask your company if they have an employee relocation package.
Generally, a relocation package includes temporary housing, auto travel reimbursement, home-selling assistance, packing service, moving company and insurance coverage, and other relocation-related expenses.
Visit Your New Home
It’s crucial that you personally visit the location where you’ll start a new chapter of your life. Explore your neighborhood and know more about the restaurants, malls, and other sites in the area where you can go after work or on your days off.
Familiarize yourself with different modes of transportation available so that you can commute to work without any issues. Read the local newspaper to know what’s going on in your new community.
A career move can be fascinating and stressful at the same time. While it’s great to grab every opportunity that comes your way, don’t forget to prepare and plan accordingly. This way, you’ll be able to make wise decisions and have a successful career path.