Deciding to relocate because of a job offer can be challenging. You want to grab the opportunity since it might not come back. However, you also worry about taking the risk. You will give up everything and realise it’s not the right career path.
Apart from your professional growth, consider your family too. They also have to relocate if you decide to move to another place. Take your time to weigh the pros and cons before finalising your decision.
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Ask yourself if it’s a job worth pursuing
Before you consider relocating, ask yourself first if you’re looking at a job worth pursuing. Is it something you always dreamt of having? Will it be enough to provide for the needs of your family? Will it make you happy? Answer these questions first, and you will know if you should go for it. Don’t sacrifice what you have now if it’s not a dream job you’re chasing after.
Consider your family’s future
When you’re alone, you can take the risk and not worry about the consequences. If you fail, you will pick up the pieces and move on. You can’t say the same when you have a family. You need to calculate your decision well. Otherwise, you will disappoint everyone. Imagine asking your children to move to a new school because you decided to get a job in a new city. When it fails, will you ask them to enrol in another school again? It’s a life-changing decision, and you have to be careful. Ask your children how they feel about your plans. Talk to your partner and weigh everything.
Check the cost of living
Apart from getting your dream job, you also want to pursue it for financial stability. For instance, your company decided to promote you to a higher position, but in a different city. Since it’s not too big of an adjustment professionally, you’re considering the job. However, if the city has a higher cost of living, it might not be worth it. Sure, you will receive higher pay. The problem is everything else will cost a lot. From your children’s education to your daily expenses, your wages might not suffice.
Look at the average housing cost
The biggest reason why you should have second thoughts is that you have to search for a new home. If you already own a house, you can’t leave it and buy another one. You should sell it first and see if the amount is enough to purchase a new place elsewhere. Research the average housing cost in the new city. Check the accessibility of the property’s location. If you can find the perfect match, you should pursue your plans.
Safety and security matter too
Apart from the price, you should also look into the safety in the area. Whether you decide to move to a big or small city, security will be an issue. Check the crime rate and determine if it’s safe to relocate to the city. You can also work with real estate agents to know more about these issues. Consider Beresfords if you intend to buy a house in Essex. You need an expert’s advice on how to find the right place. If you can’t guarantee your family’s safety in the area, look for another location.
You need sufficient time
When offered a job, you need enough time to think about it. It’s a major decision that affects your entire family. If the employer gives you only a few days to decide, the best answer is to decline. You can’t make the right choice when rushed by the employer. It’s also not enough to look for a property in the area. Try to negotiate with the potential employer if you can decide within a month or so.
By then, you can weigh different factors and make the right choice.
Talk to your current employer
If the reason why you want to pursue a career elsewhere is financial security, talk to your employer first. Ask for a raise and see where it goes. If the amount is reasonable enough, you can stay. You can also leverage the job offer when negotiating for a higher salary. If your employer declines, you can seriously consider the new job. You also want to work with a company that values your skills and expertise.
The dream of a lifetime
When you decided to start a family, you set aside your dreams and ambitions. You became selfless since not everything is about you anymore. You even declined several job offers before focusing on being a parent. If your children are already grown-ups, it might be time to look at what you want. Think of that dream career that you always wanted to pursue but set aside because of your family. If you can get that job now, go for it. It might not turn out the way you wanted, but you know how it felt. It’s better than regretting that you didn’t try at all.
Decide soon
The job offer won’t stand forever. The potential employer will ask you if you will accept the post. Otherwise, it will go to someone else. You still need to do a lot of things before making up your mind. Start by looking for the right property. Next, prepare your family to relocate. You also have to check your finances and see if you’re ready to move. It will be a significant undertaking, and you have to consider all sides.
Consult with financial experts and real estate agents. Explain to them why you hesitate to accept the job and relocate. Discuss the pros and cons that you identified. After the consultation, you will feel more confident about your decision. If you decide to accept the job, start looking for a new house now. If you decline the opportunity, you have to take the decision wholeheartedly. You might give it another shot after a few years when you’re ready to do so.