After years of working hard at university, you’re sure to want a good job. Often, your first job after graduating will require relocation. However, relocation isn’t for everyone. It can be a daunting process to move somewhere where you don’t know anyone, and there can be various issues you haven’t considered. But relocating for your first post-university job still comes recommended for most everyone. It’s your chance to reinvent yourself and begin a new career that you enjoy. But before you accept an offer of a specific job that requires you to move, you should first answer the following four questions.
Can I afford it?
You’ll have to weigh up the pay that the job is offering with the other expenses involved with moving. In addition to long distance moving costs like vehicle hire, travel costs, and insurance, you need to consider the expenses of the place you’re moving to. Rent and other expenses can be much higher in some cities and areas than in others. For example, the cost of living is much cheaper in Lowestoft than it is in London. In addition to the cost of rent and utilities, think about the other things you’ll need to pay for. You could need to buy furniture for your accommodation and you could need to spend money daily on things like public transport. If you’re moving far away from your loved ones, you’ll also want to factor in the costs of travelling home throughout the year to see them. Work out your expenses with what the job pays so you can make an informed decision as to whether you should move or not.
Relocation | Where will I live?
Even if you land a dream job, you still need to consider the area in which you will live. After all, you won’t be spending every minute of every day at your new workplace. Thankfully there are excellent services like ARC relocation available to make the relocation process much easier. But you still need to ask yourself questions like:
- Is the area attractive?
- Are the people friendly?
- Are there shops nearby?
- What is the nightlife like?
- Are there parks and activities nearby?
Make a list of the things that are important to you in a place so you can determine whether the job is worth living somewhere that doesn’t tick all of your boxes. On the other hand, you may find the area is just as good as the job you’ve been offered!
Does the job offer growth?
After studying hard for years, you’ll presumably want to land a job that has good career prospects. So, ask yourself what growth is available at the company and what benefits it provides. Research the company thoroughly so you can get a good idea of its opportunities and company culture. It can often still be worth relocating to a job that doesn’t provide long term opportunities if it allows you to get a foot onto the ladder in your chosen career. But you need to take the time to consider the long-term options before you up and go.
What’s the job market like in the area?
Even if your company does offer growth, it doesn’t necessarily mean things will work out. Businesses go under. Staff can be cut back. At the end of the day, no company offers complete security. So, you should research what the job market is like in your area of relocation in order to have reasonable reassurance that if things don’t work out, there are other opportunities for you. Check local job listings and business news sites to determine whether the area has other jobs in your chosen field.
As long as you carefully consider the above questions and weigh up the pros and cons, you’re sure to come to the right decision for you.
