Glassdoor Blog » Relocation Tips

Should You Move To A New Town For A Job?

Aol Jobs — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

In a world where good jobs are hard to come by, more and more job seekers are looking outside of their current cities to find work. According to Worldwide ERC, a workforce mobility association, their member companies spent $10 billion in 2011 on corporate relocation in the U.S. That breaks down to more than 216,000 domestic transfers.

Of those transfers, one-third dealt with relocating new hires, indicating that employers are willing to relocate the right people for the right job. In many cases, relocation can mean new opportunities for not only you, but for your spouse and family as well. And while there may be challenges along the way, the payoff might outweigh the risks.

“I had just resigned from my stable full-time job representing a professional athlete that was preparing for retirement at the end of the year, and I knew I had to make a change before that happened to continue moving forward in my career,” says Klint Bradley, owner of promotional marketing supplier Branded.

After doing research to find the hot spots for sport agents, he relocated to West Palm Beach, Fla., after attending Butler University in Indianapolis.

“I grew up on a large working grain and livestock farm in central Illinois, and when I moved to Indianapolis for college … it was a big step from the country lifestyle I was used to, but home was never far away,” Bradley says. “Moving all the way to Florida meant that I wasn’t only taking a big risk professionally, having just started my own business, but also personally by leaving behind close friends and family.”

Bradley says he found that relocation helped him stay focused on his industry and making connections. Personally, he became more diligent about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As he’s met individuals from across the nation, he’s been able to learn a lot of valuable business acumen from their experiences.

“The drive and success I see in these people give me even more drive to go after my dreams with the fervor and confidence my parents encouraged in me,” Bradley says. “I think sometimes being in the Midwest, you sink into the mentality of going to work and paying your bills and never getting ahead or moving up the hierarchy. For me, seeing people living a different lifestyle meant they have found balance in their life, and I can find that same balance if I work hard enough.”

Bradley suggests that when considering relocation, it’s best to focus on the big picture. Determine where your career is going and where your significant other is in her career and figure out what cities you’d consider moving to.

“If you are moving for the position, definitely working with the organization on relocation expenses or having your salary inflated to compensate for the additional expense of relocating is best,” Bradley says.

Below, other job seekers share their experiences relocating for their careers:

“When my husband’s opportunity for a stint in Silicon Valley became a real option, my own entrepreneurial ventures as a yoga teacher were just getting some traction, and I was at a high point at my ‘day job,’ still doing the other thing that I love — paramedicine — part time and sitting on a managerial project part time as well. Things were really good for me, and he had this amazing opportunity to temporarily relocate with his corporation with 100 percent support, have the Silicon Valley startup experience he’d been eyeing, and still retain our home in Albuquerque, where we know our heart is. My take on the relocation: Hold out for a supportive arrangement, and when that’s on the table, leap — even if it seems like everything is as good as it can be where you are, even if you’re just then experiencing returns on years of hard work and investment. Create a transition plan. You’re going to throw it out the window, but having it will give you a structure at the beginning and a feeling of having a [safety] net during, and the thought you put into it will matter after you throw it out, so make it as if your life depended on it. And then go all in.” – Christine Stump, Alignment Yoga

“I moved to California from New York City because my ex-wife … came out here with our kids, forcing me to follow her. I’ve been able to make a huge impact on the place where I work, which is already up 50 percent over last year’s revenue and was just named Agency of the Year by a prestigious trade publication. The East Coast/West Coast transition has had some challenges, but that’s interesting, too.” – Tom Siebart, vice president of communications, Digitaria

“In 1998, I relocated as a trailing spouse from Florida to Michigan. I found an exceptional job in a short period of time, partly due to the fact that I set a goal for myself of being upbeat and positive and meeting three new people every day. We had two young sons, so our social circle expanded fairly quickly. Some of the best friends I have were met there. In 2007 — in the midst of a divorce — I relocated from Michigan to Virginia. I devoted every waking moment to my job until my sons, then 17 and 19, relocated three months later. I found it very hard to meet people outside of work and with my interests. Since the job I moved here to take no longer exists, I am now considering relocation again. Bottom line: It’s not easy, but a lot of it is attitude.” – Susan Milhoan, chief operations officer, J. Taylor Associates

“I relocated from Honolulu to Los Angeles for my job; I went from freelance to full time when I moved here. As a single mom, it was a tough yet no-brainer decision, because it was such a huge move. It’s the best decision I’ve made for our two-person family, and we’re doing very well in Los Angeles.” – Ally Sperber, account executive, Marketing Maven Public Relations, Inc. – Originally posted on Aol Jobs by Justin Thompson

Should You Move To A New Town For A Job? is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

Should You Relocate For A New Job?

onTargetjobs — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:00:26 +0000

With 14 million Americans still unemployed, and the unemployment rate holding at 9.1 percent according to the August Bureau of Labor Statistics data, relocating for a new job may seem like an increasingly worthwhile proposition to many. In fact, according to a survey by consulting firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, 9.4 percent of job seekers relocated for new jobs in the first half of 2011, up from 7.6 percent in 2010. However, relocating across the country – or even to a new city within the same state – for work should not be an impromptu decision. Here are a few factors to consider before you start packing:

Is where you intend to go better than where you currently are?

Are you living in an area with a particularly depressed jobs market? Have most of the local companies within your industry closed their doors? How long have you been unemployed? If you’ve been out of work for more than a year (40 weeks is currently the average duration of unemployment), have exhausted the limited prospects in your current location, and can identify target cities where your field is thriving, relocation could make sense. If you can survive on less income in the new location, it can further enhance the viability of relocation. Research the cost of living in cities that interest you using the calculator here.

Can you afford to make the move?

If you postpone your relocation until you receive a job offer, ask the employer if they will cover your moving expenses and temporary housing costs. Some may cover a portion (especially if you’ve been hired for an executive position), but most may not –and moving isn’t cheap. According to data from one workforce mobility association, the average cost of moving household goods domestically was over $12,000 in 2010. Some relocation expenses paid out of pocket are tax deductible. However, the cost of selling your home (and the financial hit you may have to take if you are underwater on the mortgage), is not.

How mobile are you?

Have you lived in the same place your entire life, with family members nearby? A relocation may be difficult for you, so consider the effects it may have on you and your family members. However, if you’re currently renting and ready for a big change, a move for a new job may be relatively easy and just what you’re looking for. If you’re ready to come back in a few years, the job market may be better and the experience from your new job will help you land a better one.

What will you do if it doesn’t work out?

If you move for a job offer but the position isn’t a good fit, what will you do? It’s always best to have a contingency plan before you relocate. Consider renting your current home rather than selling, and postponing the purchase of property in the new location until you’re established with the new company. Research the economic viability of the area as well as other potential employers. Areas that are thriving and that have a high concentration of companies within your industry will offer the most opportunities should your plan go awry.

According to the United States Department of Labor, 6 million Americans have been out of work for six months or more. While the Federal Reserve expects the unemployment rate to drop to 8.9 percent by the end of 2011, other economists have made more pessimistic predictions. If you are actively seeking employment without success in your current location, it may make sense to explore opportunities elsewhere. - Originally posted on onTargetjobs by Angela Rose

Should You Relocate For A New Job? is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

What To Do When You Are Facing A Job Relocation

Debra Wheatman — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0000

There are many reasons why people choose to relocate. You may want to be closer to family and friends. Possibly you have dreamed of a warmer climate or a place where you can go skiing every weekend. Regardless of what your reasons are, finding a job in a new city has its own share of challenges.

The first thing you should do is research. Relocating can be challenging. Different locations have their own unique culture. You want to ensure that you will be happy in your new ‘home.’ Visit the location – and do this more than once. Get a feel for the climate, people, and overall setting. Visiting the local Chamber of Commerce will likely yield some interesting findings. If you know people who live in the area or have previously resided there, conduct your own set of interviews. The information you learn will enable you to make a well-informed decision. Of course this is assuming that you are relocating for your own reasons. If your employer is asking you to relocate, research is still an important part of the equation, as you have a decision to make: do you or do you not want to go?

Create a solid list of potential targets that would be a good fit for your expertise. While you are at it, make a separate list of area and national recruiters who may be of help. Before contacting potential employers in the area, be sure to polish up your résumé and create a compelling cover letter that briefly explains your reason for making a move.

If you are in a high demand profession and your skills are hard to come by in the region, larger firms may pay your airfare to the interview and provide you with a relocation package. It is certainly a negotiation point during the interview process. That said, if you are set on relocating, relocation assistance is obviously not a ‘must have.’

Here are some additional tips to help you with your move:

Read local business journals and review industry associations to determine opportunities and / or possible avenues to facilitate your networking efforts. I recommend checking out the local newspaper to learn about local happenings and things taking place in the community.
Go to LinkedIn groups. Run a search to see if there is a local group in the city you seek. Send a request to the group leader to see if he/she will allow you to join. You can then ask questions and engage people to advance your search and research efforts.
Identify local chapters of professional organizations and contact the area president, vice president, treasurer, etc. They can provide you with a different perspective and further enhance your understanding of things going on in the area, in addition to companies that might be hiring.
Using the list you made, identify C-level hiring managers from both national and local area companies; reach out the them to let them know you are in the market. You might be able to set up some informational interviews.
Be prepared to go back and forth several times to coordinate everything and find a place to live. If you are set on your new location you might need to relocate first and then identify a position that meets your needs.

Don’t risk resigning, especially if you have key responsibilities that necessitate your sustaining your current salary. You might want to continue to develop some relationships in the new location and make several interviewing trips to enable you to identify and ultimately accept a new role that meets with your personal and professional goals.

While relocating can be a challenge, if it is something you really want, you will ultimately find your way. With due diligence and some extra leg work, it may be just the thing you need to do to take your career to the next level.

What To Do When You Are Facing A Job Relocation is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

Tech Workers: Want A Bigger Salary? Relocate…or Not

Glassdoor Team — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 22:25:33 +0000

While many tech workers hop from company to company to increase their earning potential, they may not consider that, as their experience grows, a hop from location to location also has a favorable impact on salary – and no this isn’t just about making a move to tech hot spots like the Silicon Valley. We’ve analyzed Glassdoor salary reports and the data shows how tech industry workers average base salary is impacted not only by years of experience but also by location¹.

The Glassdoor tech report identifies that between 0-6 years of experience, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and New York offer the highest average base salary for tech jobs. But, Seattle may just be a starting point for many workers in the tech field, as Washington DC takes over the third spot for people with 7-10+ years of experience.

Chicago offers the most growth opportunity between entry-level tech workers (0 to 1 years experience) and those with more experience (10+ years) for people who don’t want to move. Employees in the technology field report a 140% difference in average base salary between these two career levels. San Francisco may offer the highest average base salary across the years of experience, however employees are reporting a slower growth in salary as years increase – San Francisco Bay Area tech workers notice a 92% increase in average base salary between these two career levels.

It’s important to keep in mind that the San Francisco Bay Area has the highest cost of living² among these locations – 66% above the national average, whereas Chicago has the lowest cost of living among these regions, just 14% above the national average.

As the economy picks up and companies start to add to their roster, this salary report shows just how important it can be that job seekers have their finger on the pulse of what is fair pay in today’s market – and how that might vary by location, company and years of experience.

If you are considering a move to take a new job, Glassdoor’s career expert Rusty Rueff has some advice:

Tell everyone where you want to be. You probably get at least one chance a year to sit with your boss and/or your HR person and express your career objectives. This is the time to let them know where it is that you want/need to live. If the west coast is where you want to be then say it and say it again. Companies will move you where they need you. There is nothing wrong with that, but you have to continue be in charge of your own career. I fear that a lot of the people who are stuck somewhere now are there because they didn’t have a clear plan and were not able to communicate effectively their desires.
Be prepared to move yourself. Relocation budgets are being axed as “unnecessary spending”. When the unemployment level is high and talent is more abundant, it may be true. This means that if you want to move to another city for a new job, you may have to pay for it yourself. If you can figure out the costs of this and start building it into your savings now that would be wise. With enough planning ahead you will be able to make the offer to move yourself and pay your own freight. It could be that this extra offer is the one that makes you the new hire versus the other people also applying.
Make the most of anywhere. While you are looking for opportunities that would relocate you somewhere else, do the most you can for the community you are in now. You may find that doing the opposite of what is expected when you dislike living someplace (for example getting more involved in the community), could push you to discover you like it more than you thought.

Bottom line: Knowing what your earning potential is based on years of experience and area of specialty can help you feel more confident in knowing you made the right decision for you and your career. So before making a move, think about what you want to achieve professionally and where it is that you will be satisfied not only working but living, whether it’s in the short or long-term.

¹ Based on locations with at least 200 salary reports per years of experience bracket.

² Cost of Living data provided by Yahoo! Real Estate; 100= National Average 110 = 10% more expensive

Tech Workers: Want A Bigger Salary? Relocate…or Not is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

Where NOT to live if you’re looking for a high-paying job

Glassdoor Team — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:01:02 +0000

Does your location inhibit your earning potential? Forbes.com published a list of the top 10 best and worst towns for high-paying jobs yesterday, and focused in on those in the business and professional services category. More specifically this includes jobs in human resources, architecture, law, accounting, science and technology. Forbes reports that there are currently around 17 million jobs in this category, which, as the article notes, is twice the size of the finance sector.

In reviewing the list of towns included as the worst for high-paying jobs, there are a few clear patterns to note. Many are affected by the declining housing market, as cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles and Orange County have seen significant losses in this area which in turn is affecting the business and professional service industry accordingly. Declines in other industries, including auto and tourism also have had a negative impact on this category of jobs.

Does your city make Forbes list for the Worst High-Paying Jobs? Check out their list of top 10 cities below and click on the links to view the Glassdoor salary reports which give first hand insights into the specific jobs at specific companies from employees who work in these areas.

1. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ

2. Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI

3. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL

4. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA

5. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA

6. Orlando-Kissimmee, FL

7. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA

8. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN -WI

9. Edison-New Brunswick, NJ

10. Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn, MI

While this isn’t to say there aren’t still opportunities in these areas, they are few and far between in comparison to those listed on the best towns for high-paying jobs. Areas around Washington, D.C. and northern Virginia, for example, likely have more jobs due to the demand in the government sector.

So if you are in the job market, research your location to find out where the best place may be for you based on your area of expertise. Also check out some relocation tips from Glassdoor career & workplace expert Rusty Rueff.

Where NOT to live if you’re looking for a high-paying job is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

Stuck: Handling a Relocation in this Economy

Rusty Rueff — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:04:12 +0000

Recent research by the Pew Foundation revealed that nearly 50% of Americans live somewhere they wish they didn’t. The American way has always been to be able to move from city to city and in many cases it was our jobs that relocated us across the country. And many agreed to move to less-than ideal cities, as we figured we could live anywhere or a few years, knowing that there would be another move in our future anyway. If we played our cards right we would end up in a regional office or headquarters, which in most cases were located in attractive cities or towns.

It was a big game of musical chairs and for lots of people it was a great way to see the country on someone else’s dime as it related to purchase and sale of a home. Over the past 15 years this worked, as there was no losing out on home equity. But, as we know, all good things must come to an end. The music has stopped and nearly half of America may be living someplace they don’t like and aren’t able to make a change any time soon. For anyone who could be transferred either now, or in the future think about these tactics as you manage your relocation:

All roads to lead to Headquarters. If you would never consider living in Atlanta then don’t consider working for Coca-Cola because if you are successful, then in most cases that is where your career is going to take you. On the other hand if the New York area is where you want to live someday, then Pepsi-Cola would be a good choice.

Accept that you might have to find your way out on your own. Companies are cutting their relocation budgets, and thus if you are asked to move somewhere that is not to your liking and you are only going there for the job, then consider how you can get out of Dodge by your own means. In other words, remain flexible and evaluate the options that allow you to live where you want. That may mean renting versus buying or if you buy a home make sure that you buy the saleable one, not the most expensive house on the block or the eccentric home that only you could love.

Tell everyone you can, consistently, where you want to be. You probably get at least one chance a year to sit with your boss and/or your HR person and express your career objectives and desires. This is the time to let them know where it is that you want/need to live. If the west coast is where you want to be then say it and say it again. When presented the chance to move to Tennessee, don’t simply say, “That sounds interesting”. The better answer is, “if that is where the company needs me to go for now, I can certainly do it, but you know that I want/need to get to the west coast soon.” Companies will move you where they need you. There is nothing wrong with that, but you have to continue be in charge of your own career. I fear that a lot of the people who are stuck somewhere now are there because they didn’t have a clear plan and were not able to communicate effectively their desires.

Make the most of anywhere. President Lincoln said, “We are as happy as we make up our minds to be.” The same can be said for where we live. If you are stuck somewhere now, then you know that you are stuck and the question is what can you do about it? While you are looking for opportunities that would relocate you somewhere else, do the most that you can for the community you are in now. You may find that doing the opposite of what is expected when you dislike living someplace (for example getting more involved in the community), could push you to discover that you like it more than you thought.

Be prepared to move yourself. As I mentioned, relocation budgets are being axed as “unnecessary spending”. When the unemployment level is high and talent is more abundant, it may be true. This means that if you want to move to another city for a new job, you may have to pay for it yourself. If you can figure out the costs of this and start building it into your savings now, that would be wise. With enough planning ahead you will be able to make the offer to move yourself and pay your own freight. It could be that this extra offer is the one that makes you the new hire versus the other people also applying.

Stuck: Handling a Relocation in this Economy is a post from: Glassdoor Blog