Relocating Things to Think About Before the Big Move - CareerAlley

Relocating Things to Think About Before the Big Move - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Control your own destiny or someone else will. Jack Welch Whether youve got a job offer or are just taking a chance and moving to a new city (or even country) to try your luck there, its a big step to relocate. Its an exciting time; starting over, meeting new friends and perhaps experiencing a different culture. However, before you pack your bags and move across the country, make sure you are prepared for anything that might happen along the way. Hopefully our dos and donts will help you. DO 1. Have a back-up plan Not to start off with being negative, but what happens if it doesnt work out? Relocations work out for many people, but its still important to have a plan if things dont go right. Could you try a new job in a different sector? Are you able to return home? Do you know anyone in the new city who can help you out if youre in trouble? 2. Make sure you have enough cash If youre lucky enough to have a job waiting for you in the new city, you should only be worried to have enough money for a flat deposit, bills, living costs and transport before your first payday and youre set! If youre moving to find a job then its a bit more involved. Work out a timescale and how much youll need (living costs, food, bills, rent, transport, little extras) and make sure you budget. And save some behind in case of emergencies. 3. Research, research, research We could all find the best places in our own home towns blindfolded. But what about somewhere completely new? Will it be safe? Is it close to any amenities? What kind of transportations are there? How expensive will it be? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before you move anywhere new. Put in some serious research time before taking the plunge and move! 4. Visit before taking the plunge Which leads us on to our last do. Visit the place. This is an absolute must! Everything could look nice in pictures. People say its such a cool place to live in. So you pack your bags and move and realise the city isnt for you. What then? By checking it out beforehand, even if its just for the day or the weekend, you can really get a feel for the area, the people and even the nightlife. You are going to be spending a lot of time in your new home, make sure its a good fit! DONT 1. Move if you have genuine doubts And were not talking about the bad monkey on your shoulder whispering niggly little worries in your ear. Were talking major and justified doubts and concerns. Whether its money, work, family, friends if you have serious second thoughts then talk to someone you trust and make sure youre making the right decision. 2. Make a key decision based on other people So your best friend is upping sticks and moving across the country and you suddenly think its a good idea, too? Or your family are desperate for you to stay close to home and you turn down a potentially excellent job offer? Never make a decision based just on other people. Sure, consider friends and family when making such big life moves, but dont do things just to keep others happy. Now is the time to follow your own path. 3. Burn your bridges From saying goodbye to your old life to quitting a job to move, make sure that you leave doors open should you ever need to come back. Dont curse on the way out or tell the boss what you actually think of him be gracious and if youre heading off and your friends arent, dont gloat. They could be the ones to help you if things later turn sour. 4. Be hard on yourself It may take a little while to find a job or settle into a position and if you dont slip into your new life straight away, dont beat yourself up about it. If you dont have friends in your new town or city then expect a few Saturday nights in and dont think youll be inundated with job offers. Instead, look at everything as a positive and a challenge and work towards making a life for yourself. It can take months to settle in, but when you do you could really benefit from your brave decision. And remember Have fun! These are the first days of the rest of your life and you want to enjoy them. Sure, it may be tough but learning about your new home and meeting new people. You can reinvent yourself now. And good luck! Good luck in your search. This post is sponsored by Total Jobs, a job search site that offers a wide range of jobs from engineering jobs to environment jobs. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines.