Alright a few weeks back I asked for some recommendations on blog topics, so this weeks is the first in the series. It comes from my buddy Greg Schwan, so Greg...this one’s for you.
Ok, so you’re considering a job and that job will require you to relocate. Relocating where you live is a big deal, one of the biggest decisions you can make frankly. In order to honestly consider a job that will require relocation you’ve got to, and I mean GOT TO consider a few things.
1) Can you actual work in the location - There are visa issues you need to consider as well as potential language issues. Consider this stuff before you even apply. I once applied for a job in Zurich...first question of the interview was “Do you speak German?”..um nope, interview over.
2) Can you afford it? - Don’t expect your new company to buy you out of an underwater mortgage or give you a 50% bump in pay. Understand your target location and know if you can actually afford to move there. Additionally, if you are moving from say New York City to Pittsburgh...don’t expect MORE money than you make now. Typically moving from an expensive city to a less expensive location you should expect a CUT in your compensation. When taking a role that requires relocation, be realistic about compensation before you start interviewing.
3) Have a timeline - Companies want to hire people yesterday, you know something about business needs. As such, they really don’t like it when you get a job offer and tell them “Great, I’ll start in four months”. When you looking to relocate, people realize it takes time...just be upfront and communicate it to your future employer.
4) Ask your spouse - You’d be surprised how many people I talk to about taking a job and they call back saying “My spouse doesn’t want to move right now”....um, thanks for that. Like I said up top...this is a huge decision and you HAVE to talk to your spouse before you get started. If the whole family isn’t onboard...you’re not going anywhere.
5) Have a target location - You’d be surprised how many people I talk to and they say things like “I’m looking at opportunities in Boston, NY, Austin Tx and the Bay Area”...um what? Seriously, moving a HUGE life decision don’t be all willy nilly with it. Find a location you like, and target it. You’ll waste a ton of time if you “think” you’d like to work in Texas but you find out that you really only wanted to work in Boston.
Ok, that’s it. Would love to hear from you guys what you think. Hopefully more soon, trying to crank out a second post this week!
Jeff
Ok, so you’re considering a job and that job will require you to relocate. Relocating where you live is a big deal, one of the biggest decisions you can make frankly. In order to honestly consider a job that will require relocation you’ve got to, and I mean GOT TO consider a few things.
1) Can you actual work in the location - There are visa issues you need to consider as well as potential language issues. Consider this stuff before you even apply. I once applied for a job in Zurich...first question of the interview was “Do you speak German?”..um nope, interview over.
2) Can you afford it? - Don’t expect your new company to buy you out of an underwater mortgage or give you a 50% bump in pay. Understand your target location and know if you can actually afford to move there. Additionally, if you are moving from say New York City to Pittsburgh...don’t expect MORE money than you make now. Typically moving from an expensive city to a less expensive location you should expect a CUT in your compensation. When taking a role that requires relocation, be realistic about compensation before you start interviewing.
3) Have a timeline - Companies want to hire people yesterday, you know something about business needs. As such, they really don’t like it when you get a job offer and tell them “Great, I’ll start in four months”. When you looking to relocate, people realize it takes time...just be upfront and communicate it to your future employer.
4) Ask your spouse - You’d be surprised how many people I talk to about taking a job and they call back saying “My spouse doesn’t want to move right now”....um, thanks for that. Like I said up top...this is a huge decision and you HAVE to talk to your spouse before you get started. If the whole family isn’t onboard...you’re not going anywhere.
5) Have a target location - You’d be surprised how many people I talk to and they say things like “I’m looking at opportunities in Boston, NY, Austin Tx and the Bay Area”...um what? Seriously, moving a HUGE life decision don’t be all willy nilly with it. Find a location you like, and target it. You’ll waste a ton of time if you “think” you’d like to work in Texas but you find out that you really only wanted to work in Boston.
Ok, that’s it. Would love to hear from you guys what you think. Hopefully more soon, trying to crank out a second post this week!
Jeff
