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Should You Relocate for Better Job Opportunities?

By National Van Lines
12/11/2014

Many people prefer to have a job offer confirmed before hiring cross country movers – this can understandably help reduce the stress of the relocation process. Moving to a new location, with the responsibility of moving costs and rent, can be unsettling when there isn’t a job waiting for you. In many cases, waiting until you find a job in the area you hope to move to is a good idea, but what do you do when you’ve been sitting around for months? Should you relocate anyway and find a new job once you get there?

How to Decide if Relocating for Work Is Your Best Option

Your career path and living situation are two of the most significant factors in determining whether to relocate now or in the future. The right decision depends on your situation. Use these tips to help you decide if you should keep waiting for a job opportunity to come your way or if it’s time to move.

Current Employment Status

Being unemployed while looking for a new job is a whole different ball game than searching while employed. Without a current job, the stress of moving costs and rent payments will weigh heavier, and moving will not guarantee your job search will be successful. However, if you have spent a long period of time looking for jobs near you (and spending money on living expenses) without any job offers to show your effort, moving for better opportunities may not be a crazy idea. Compare job opportunities in areas you wish to relocate to with opportunities in your current area. If you think you stand a better chance of getting a job by moving, it may be time to relocate.

If you have a job and are thinking of relocating without having another job lined up in the new area, take the opportunity to save up an emergency fund. Cut everything you can from your budget and try to save enough to live without pay for a few months. This way, when you quit your job and move to a new location, you won’t have to worry about making ends meet in the short term. This will free up your mind to focus on your job search. Also, consider the benefits of using a full-service moving company to limit disruption. You can avoid a long drawn-out move and start searching for a position immediately

Long Distance Job Hunting

Many college graduates take up the long-distance job hunt with dreams of working in some distant city or state. The problem is that many employers prefer to hire people who already live in their era.  Waiting for a new hire to organize a long-distance move can be unappealing, especially if they are finding equally good candidates who live closer.

Depending on where you are in life, you may have a couple options. While many businesses are unlikely to hire new employees from long distances, some are willing to hire interns. Make sure you apply for those opportunities as well and see if you get any positive replies. A paid internship will give you a basic income and the opportunity to use a local address when applying for a full-time job.

Don’t think you have to sit and wait for a job opportunity to come your way before moving. Depending on your situation, you may find relocating will greatly increase your chances of getting hired. The best part is that you don’t have to overwhelm yourself with the stress of both moving and job searching. With the support of experienced long distance movers, you can get set up in your new home and begin your job hunt immediately.

We Can Help With Nationwide Relocations for Job Opportunities

If you’re planning to relocate for a new job opportunity, contact National Van Lines for a first-rate long distance move. We provide a range of services including planning, packing and unpacking, transportation and storage solutions. Call 800-323-1962 or request a free moving quote today.

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