By David Wright

You may be unemployed and looking for work, you may be relocating with your company, or you may have been granted a job offer in a new city. No matter the circumstances a move can be taxing, both financially and emotionally, so you had better be sure that relocating for work is really in your best interests.

What you Need to Know before you Agree to Move

Salary
If you’re going to move you had better make sure you can afford it. Before agreeing to take a new position for which you are going to have to relocate, make sure the increase in salary is not drowned out by any cost of living increase in the new location. Find a salary calculator online to tell you how much you need to make in your new job to continue living the lifestyle to which you are accustomed.

Proximity
As well as cost of living, you are going to want to look at some other advantages and disadvantages of your new area. If you have children, be sure that you are close to good schools, have doctors’ offices readily available, and know if and where your partner will be able to apply for work. You should also find out what the daily commute will be like, how far your house will be from the office, and about the public transit system.

Work Environment
Your new work environment is an important consideration. If you’ve come from a more laid back atmosphere you may have a difficult time adjusting to a high pressure and rigid atmosphere. Alternatively, you may move from a high pressure atmosphere to one that is less intense, in this case you may find that you get bored without the constant pressure. Get a feel for your new work environment before you agree to a job offer.

If you are relocating within the same company there are a few more considerations you should take into account before you agree to move. In most cases if you are forced to move with your job, the company will pay for your moving expenses, child care expenses while you prepare to move, and repay your spouse for lost income during their job hunt in the new location. The company may also go so far as to assist your spouse in finding a new job after the move.

Once you have carefully considered all of the factors in making a move, and you decide that relocating is in your best interest, it is best to accept the job offer formally. First write a letter of acceptance to your future employer and follow up with a telephone call. Ask your new employer how to proceed and which employee services are available to assist you in relocating.

Before you move it is wise to prepare yourself for the intense culture shock of your new work environment. Don’t expect that because you staying with the same company or are not moving a great distance, that you won’t experience a drastic change in the atmosphere of the workplace. Every working environment has its own personality that is created by the employees, policies and management that keep the organization running. If you are prepared for the transition it will make easing into the new environment less stressful. Before you begin your new position meet your future coworkers and managers, borrow an employee handbook and do your research, find a day well in advance to go and visit your new office space. Taking these precautions will not only prepare you for work in your new job, but will allow you to walk in more confident and give you the ability to hit the ground running. Above all, good luck with your move and enjoy your new job!