Nearly every career coaching client negotiates a balancing act between location and career choice. Many people invest more time setting up a moving van than asking themselves, “Can I be happy here?”
One of the most stressful relocation decisions comes when you get an exciting job offer. At first it doesn’t seem like a problem…unless you live in the Midwest and they want you to move to Los Angeles (or vice versa). You wonder if you will find a comfortable home, a place to buy your favorite foods, and even a new friend or two.
The best way to decide is to visit the city on your own, not with a real estate agent or company representative. As you look around, imagine you are an anthropologist studying the local culture. Talk to as many people as possible. Don’t ask for advice.Ask for information and first-person stories.Often you will realize your decision has been made when you hear yourself saying, “Sure, I can handle a two-hour commute,” or, “Of course I can downsize to a 500-square-foot studio apartment for me, my St. Bernard dog, my three cats and my fiance.”
This is not the time to grit your teeth and mutter, “I can do this!” You’re planning a life, not trying to survive the Marine Corps Boot Camp.
After you’ve explored awhile, don’t be surprised if your offer looks different. You may realize you’re getting a great deal. Or you may realize you need to negotiate for a signing bonus. Occasionally you can make your acceptance conditional on finding a place to live.
And now I invite you to learn more about the personal side of moving – because you can’t pack your life into a box. http://www.RelocationStrategy.com
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points here. Thanks!