Should you relocate if you can't find local jobs?
Due to COVID, you might begin to notice fewer jobs are surfacing in your area. You may even be convinced that it is time to pack up and relocate, but here are some things you should consider doing first.
Create a safety net
If you have made the decision that there are just no jobs in your area and you feel a move would be best, make sure that you have money saved up before you begin to pack. Once you have pinpointed the area you will relocate to calculate your monthly expenses in your new city. Include essentials, such as rent, groceries, gas, and utilities, as well as nonessentials.
If you are able it's a good idea to have at least three months of living expenses saved before you move. Not only does this ensure you can get by without earned income, but it also assures future landlords you can pay your rent.
Make a plan
Taking time to plan things out before you jump right in will help ease your worry. It may take weeks or months for the application process to turn into a job offer so it's best to know what comes next. Here are a few things you will need to tackle:
**-Update your resume **
-Decide jobs you want to apply to
-Know where you will live once hired
Apply to remote positions
Before you decide to pack up and move consider applying for remote roles that allow you to work from home (or any location). No moving necessary! This will provide you with additional opportunities that aren’t necessarily location-specific. Now more than ever there is a great need for remote workers especially in the customer service industry since more individuals are making their purchases online versus in-store.
So how do you find these roles? There is a filter on Jobcase that you can apply to search for work from home opportunities. After you perform a search simply click “Remote work only” up in the very top left-hand corner. Then the results will show you work from home roles that are available.
Here are some remote roles you can apply to now:
Reach out
Do you know anyone in the location you’re moving to? Do you have family, friends, professional or personal connections there? Your network may be able to help you with your job hunt! So take the time to put the word out that you’re looking to relocate and land a new opportunity. Consider emailing your network or posting to your social sites. Make sure to specifically discuss the roles you are seeking. This may help you to get job leads and other assistance more quickly.
Would you consider re-locating to land a new job?
Comments
WOW! Sounds tempting, particularly within some of the more rural areas throughout the country, but not an easy endeavor to take on for most families. Economics plays a part in this decision making process but moving away from families, friends and lifelong communities are often strong relationships that persuade us to stay home.
In terms of cost, I haven't noticed any companies extending relocation assistance anymore. A bigger corporate emphasis seems to be trending towards a more remote (city, state, region and/or work from anywhere US) work environment. Is this going to be the "new normal"? Maybe, but post COVID-19 work from home industry is booming right now.
I would agree, work from home may be more reasonable alternative to relocating but I still wonder how the community would rate "relocation" in the hierarchy of alternative employment options within low employment opportunity areas.
In what order would you place these options:
- Explore new careers
- Look for work from home employment
- Take on a lower paying job
- Relocate as soon as possible!
GREAT feedback Lenin thank you!!! I would say it would all depend if you're looking to explore new options for your career or you want something right away. For me I would personally locate a job before any large move!