Is Relocating For A New Job Worth It?
According to a 2019 study, 62% of workers said they would consider relocating for the right job. In this guide, we ask the question – is relocating for a new job worth it?
Table of Contents
Questions to Ask the Employer Before Relocating For A New Job
Relocating for a new job is a huge life decision, as such you will need to gather as much information as possible in order to make an informed choice. In addition to conducting your own research, you should also ask the interviewer many questions about the location and any potential relocation packages. Some questions you might want to ask could include:
- Will you provide moving and housing assistance, and in what way?
- Can you tell me about the local school system?
- Are there any good recreation opportunities nearby?
- What are the commuting options like in the area?
- Is there a big difference in the cost of living?
- Does this position offer upward mobility?
- Where are some good locations to find accommodation?
- Would there be good employment prospects here for my spouse/partner?
What are the Advantages of Relocating for a New Job?
One of the biggest advantages of relocating for a new job is the chance to immerse yourself in a new community. Those with an adventurous mindset and a desire to travel will enjoy the opportunity to discover a new culture and meet new people.
In many cases, relocating may help to improve your career prospects. You may advance in your new role or, should you decide to make a career move, you may have a greater selection of potential employers nearby.
Another benefit of relocating is that it may offer you an opportunity to improve your living situation. Perhaps the new destination boasts a lower cost of living, perhaps it offers a slower pace of life, or maybe the amenities for young children are better. One piece of feedback we often hear from candidates who opt to relocate is that they can now afford to put down a deposit on a home of their own due to lower rental costs.
“I relocated from Portugal to Cork two years ago. My primary motivation to come to Cork was to work for one of the biggest pharma companies in the world. Cork was the ideal location due to the high number of global pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical clients.
My experience so far has been extremely positive. I find my Irish colleagues and Cork people to be quite friendly and cooperative. The work conditions are also far better than what one would find in most European countries. The pay and benefits are also far better!
It has been an extremely positive journey so far and I am delighted to have relocated to Cork and Ireland.”
~ Candidate Testimonial
7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Relocating
- What is the local jobs market like? Will your partner/spouse be able to find work? Will it be possible for you to find another job easily if this one doesn’t work out?
- How does the cost of living compare to where you are currently living?
- What recreational activities are available during off-work hours?
- Would it be possible to chat with local residents to learn more about the area?
- How will the move affect my family?
- Will I be able to cope without easy access to my support network? (i.e friends and family).
- Will you be able to maintain the same lifestyle in your new location?
Relocation Packages
A “Relocation Package” refers to when a company provides a range of supports to a new employee who needs to relocate in order to take up their new role. A strong relocation package may make it easier for you to decide if it is worth relocating for a new job. The company may choose to deliver the package in the form of a lump sum, a reimbursement, through a third-party relocation service or via direct billing. Types of support typically included in a relocation package include:
- Packing services
- Quality moving company service with reasonable insurance coverage
- Assistance selling your home or breaking your lease
- At least one paid-for house-hunting trip
- Temporary housing
- Transportation to the final destination
How Much Time Should You Be Given for a Job Relocation?
Study after study shows that moving home is one of life’s most stressful events. So for your own sake, you can’t rush the process. Generally speaking, about four to six weeks allows sufficient time to relocate before starting your new job. However, you may require more time than this if your new home is experiencing a tight housing market.
How Your Recruiter Can Help
Working with a recruiter can help you decide if it is worth relocating for a new job. If you are working with a recruiter to find a job either abroad or in a different part of the country, there are a variety of ways in which they can support you with the relocation process.
- They may provide you with key information about the area (e.g. accommodation options, local schools, cost of living etc.).
- They may help you to negotiate a suitable relocation package.
- Once you have secured the role, they may be able to introduce you to some colleagues who are already living in the area so that you already have some connections on the ground when you get started.
- They can put you in contact with estate agents and send on links to rental property directories.
“In 2019, Berkley helped to secure a contract for me with AstraZeneca in Sweden. Nick and Aleksas were very helpful during the application process.
They assisted with preparations for the interview and gave useful insights about the role itself and the company, AstraZeneca. Moving to a new country with work, for the first time, can be stressful as everything is new with many unknowns. In preparation for the move, I was put in contact with a colleague already placed on-site by Berkley. This was both very informative and did a lot to put me at ease and to focus on my new role. It also gave me a chance to gather some useful information about living in Sweden.
Once settled into my new job, Berkley’s consultants visited the site every so often to check in and see how I was doing. This was different after the pandemic started with restricted travel, however, they continued to check in using video calls, which was very appreciated. Sweden is a fantastic country to work in with an excellent work-life balance. My contract in AstraZeneca lasted over 9 months and I was sad when the time came to move on.”
~ Dermot, Senior CQV Engineer
Key Takeaways
Is relocating for a new job worth it? If the role presents a strategic career move in an attractive location that has the potential to improve your quality of life, then relocating is certainly worth considering. If you are serious about finding a role in a new locale, why not talk to a recruitment consultant who can advise you on current opportunities in the jobs market.