Willing to relocate for a job? Ask yourself these six essential questions before you decide to pack up and go.

Ben Franklin's famous adage, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” is never truer than when you are looking for work in a brand-new place. Relocating for a job requires you to lay some groundwork, of course – but where do you even begin? What factors should you consider before you commit to moving to another city or state?

In this article, we'll explore six questions that you should ask yourself to help you decide whether relocating for a job is the right move for you and your career.

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1. What is my risk tolerance?

Ambitious, creative, and entrepreneurial people are used to pushing the limits of their comfort zones. However, different types of people have different levels of risk tolerance. And while any job change can be stressful, moving for a job can create additional pressure and anxiety. Are you prepared to take that kind of risk – effectively uprooting everything in your life to pursue a career adventure in another town or state?

Before you decide, make sure you conduct a self-assessment of your risk tolerance. Are you someone who is thrown off-balance by even small changes in your life, or do you find yourself energized by new challenges? Make sure you understand your own tolerance for risk before you make any major leap of faith.

2. Are there available jobs in my industry in the target location?

Of course, it's also important to find out about the potential job opportunities in the area to which you want to relocate for a job. Fortunately, the Bureau of Labor Statistics makes finding U. S. regional economic data a snap. If the job market in your new city is different from your current city, your career opportunities will rely on your ability to adapt to emerging or affiliated industries or to upgrade your skill set.

Want info on local cost of living and home values? Best Places and City Data evaluates these items along with demographics, educational levels, environment, unemployment rates, property taxes, and other economic outlook data. Prior research will make relocating for a job much easier and ensure that you know what you're getting yourself into before you take that career plunge.

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3. Am I willing to take less money for a better quality of life?

When you're relocating for a job, money can become a major issue. You need to determine whether your new salary will be able to cover basic expenditures and cost of living differences – and don't forget about those potential relocation costs. To prepare, you might want to start shoring up your finances and making budgetary adjustments like cutting back on non-essentials.

It's also a good idea to compare the cost of living and quality of life differences between your current region and the new one. That can help you identify how much money you should have to relocate and the salary you'll need to maintain your quality of life in any new location. If sacrifices need to be made, you'll want to decide whether the potential benefits of any move outweigh the short-term hardships.

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4. Do I have the employer's perspective in mind?

Convenience and cost are two big reasons why hiring managers often fail to consider out-of-area candidates. You can diminish their fears by mentioning in your cover letter that job relocation plans are already underway and that you're available to interview at the employer's convenience.

Alternatively, you might be able to list a local address in your resume's contact information section if you have a friend or relative in the area. You should also tell any prospective employers that you don't expect them to pay for expenses related to your relocation. Just make sure you keep the employer's perspective in mind and try to make it easy for them to consider you for the role.

5. Should I change careers while relocating for a job?

The economy has changed in significant ways in the last decade. Consider the outlook in your industry and how many working years you have ahead of you. If you're thinking about relocating for a job, you may also want to consider whether a career change might be in your best interests. That's especially true if you've already been thinking about taking your career in a different direction.

No matter what field you're in, picking up a new skill will make you more marketable and increase your confidence. While some people go back to school to earn a degree, others pursue skill development through online courses or free online certifications. Proper preparation and research can provide a strong foundation for taking the next step and help you minimize any career risk.

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6. Should I quit my job and just move?

You may also feel as though the best option is to just quit your current job and relocate for a new job. However, it's seldom wise to make those types of decisions in haste. Before launching a new life in an unfamiliar city, dig deeper and consider the following issues:

  • What is a reasonable amount of time to relocate for a job?

  • Is it more cost effective to rent or to buy?

  • What is the standard of living?

  • How long will your new commute take?

  • Find out what the locals do for fun: are they outdoorsy, culture enthusiasts, or tech types?

  • What will you do in your spare time?

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Relocating for a job may be one of the biggest decisions in your life

When thinking about relocating for a job, always make sure that you've considered all the major concerns that might impact your decision. Obviously, you can never eliminate all uncertainty and risk – but with the right preparation, you can minimize those risks and give yourself the best possible chance to succeed.

Are you thinking about relocating for a job or simply ready to write the next chapter of your career? Hire a TopResume writer today!

This article was originally written by Elaine Boylan and was updated by Ken Chase in December 2024.

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