You have a great job, but then you hear that your office is relocating to another city or state. What do you do now? Job relocation is a big decision to make and the process can feel overwhelming and daunting. A lot of employers will try to make the big move easier on their employees by offering a relocation package. These packages include paying for housing, moving expenses, relocation expenses and more. It all depends on your own employers relocation policies. Take a look at what you can expect, and what you should do, if you are facing job relocation.
When you are presented with job relocation, the first thing you must do is go to your human resource department or speak to those in your organization about what your relocation package has to offer for you. As US News states, you can negotiate what you’d like your employer to cover when it comes to packing, transportation and settling into your new place once you’ve relocated.- in other words: relocation expenses. This may be easy to negotiate or difficult depending on your employer. They may give you a relocation bonus and leave you to see how to spend it.
There are many relocation expenses to consider before you decide to make the move with your organization. First, consider the new city and areas you are moving to. Are the living expenses more or less expensive than where you are now? Also, check out how much the real estate is to figure out how much more or less you will have to pay for rent or a home. Do good research on the city. Find out if it’s a commuter or driving city because this will impact your expenses. Also, consider the city’s culture. Does it appeal to you? You want to make sure that you not only fall in love with the job, but also the new city that comes with it. If you don’t like the city, you’ll find yourself less in love with your job. Ask friends and family if they’ve visited that city to get the inside scoop on it. The more familiar you are with it, the less intimidating it will be to move there.
When you’re facing job relocation, you are facing relocating not only yourself, but also those you hold dear like your pets, significant other or spouse. These are probably the most difficult things to consider in your potential move. You don’t know what their reaction may be. If you feel passionately about relocating with your job, then you have to show that passion and excitement when you break the news. It could be that your spouse already has a good job and doesn’t want to move regardless of how much money you receive for relocation expenses. On the other hand, they could be excited to relocate with you.
Once you have your partner and pets on board, there’s everyone else you leave behind like friends and family. Luckily, with advances in technology, they are a video chat, email, phone call or Facebook message away. Once you consider all that needs to be considered for job relocation and the relocation expenses, you ultimately need to trust your instincts. If you really love the job you have and can’t see yourself finding another one like it once it relocates, then you should follow it. If you do decide to relocate, then read up on how to relocate for a new job.
Have you ever faced job relocation? Were you compensated for relocation expenses? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Martin Cathrae
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