Moving can certainly be a big deal. As someone who recently moved, I certainly understand the feeling of wanting to keep my feet firmly planted in the one location for the next, however many years.
Having said this, sometimes moving interstate, regionally, or even internationally can have a huge benefit to your career. It may not be for everyone, but here is why it’s worthwhile considering…
Not all Markets are Created Equal.
Many markets are cyclical and don’t run in the same patterns at the same time at different locations. Take the property market for example. Sydney was having a bumper season and is now slowing down where at the same time, other capital city property markets are now picking up. If your career involves property, you may find that you could get more or more interesting work by considering a sea or tree change.
This could work particularly well for people made redundant due to declining markets in their home city. Moving interstate, regionally or overseas may provide a wider range of job opportunities until their home city market starts to pick back up again.
Exposure.
Many people think that to get the experience they need in a role, they need to hit the big cities however, this is not always the case. Many companies in the cities are limited in the types of exposure they can provide by the nature of their clientele. Particularly in big companies, you may get siloed into one particular niche within your profession.
Often in smaller or regional settings however, companies need to be able to provide much broader service offerings to their clients. This business imperative could provide you with a much broader exposure across all your industry verticals making you more valuable to the bigger companies when you do decide to move back to the city.
Less Competition.
If you have your heart set on a certain profession but are struggling to compete with all the others looking to enter that industry, moving to a regional setting could be your way in. With less competition you can get a foot in the door, build your skill set for a couple of years and move back to the city as an experienced worker.
Broaden your Perspective.
The issues that one country or city faces are unlikely to be the same as another country, capital city or regional location. Moving and learning a whole new set of systems and issues can see you gain a competitive edge over your colleagues who have only had a single system exposure.
Lifestyle.
All countries, cities and regional / coastal towns have a different vibe. If you’re finding your path isn’t matching the vibe of where you live, why not try somewhere new? The result might just be less travel, stress, more workplace productivity or just a healthier, happier life living in a place that better resonates with who you are.
Considerations:
- Secure a job BEFORE you move. It’s great to say “I am moving here” but if you don’t already have work lined up, you could be leaving yourself open to a world of pain.
- Do you need to brush up any skills or get across different legislation?
- Consider the cost of relocation. Some companies will chip in for this, but many won’t so you will need to factor this in.
- Research the area. Think about what you need in your life outside of work to be successful (access to schools, daycare, shops, facilities etc). Will this location provide your needs?
- Research the cost of living. What are rent / housing prices in the area, can my salary cover it?
- What support networks will you have?
- Be sure you have met the people you will be working with (over skype as an absolute minimum). You need to ensure you can actually work with these people before you uproot your life.
- Talk to your family (please talk to your family). If you’re single, this may not be an issue but if you have a husband / wife and kids, committing to a move without their input will see the proverbial s#!t hit the wall.
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