Is an interstate move for work right for you?

You might have secured a new position or your current employer have flagged job prospects requiring you to relocate to a new city, town or even country. Whatever the circumstances, it’s important to weigh up your options and prepare for a successful lifestyle change. Relocating is extremely exciting, however can also be stressful when considering a new unfamiliar location, the expenses involved to relocate, effecting your family and friends, cost of living and of course a change in lifestyle.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 104,100 people moved interstate in the first few months of 2021. That’s 16,400 more people who moved interstate when compared to the first 3 months of 2020.

The effects of the pandemic or new work/life balance and work flexibility being more valued than ever, saw that Queensland was by far the most popular destination with a net gain of 30,000 people in 2020. Whereas Melbourne experienced its highest net loss of 26,000 ever.

Moving has been a topic of discussion especially since the Covid-19 pandemic with people looking for a lifestyle out of lockdown and having working from home arrangements introduced. The pandemic has also reminded people what’s important to them within their career and family life.

If you are considering relocating for work, moving elsewhere and needing to find employment, contemplating a complete remote work situation, then below are some tips to ensure it’s the right move for you.

Identify what’s important to you

Life offers infinite variety, challenges and opportunities. It’s easy to get lost in indecision with so many choices. You want success, happiness and balance in your life, however there can be conflicts and a lack of priorisation. Failure to identify what’s most meaningful to you can affect your quality of living. To ensure you have the most opportunities to live a full, happy and productive life, you must identify your key priorities.

You can do that by acknowledging the most important relationships in your life and what you need to do to ensure those relationships are nurtured. Think about what you enjoy doing the most and your realistic goals. It may not be easy to identify, however it’s essential to weight up your options.

Do your research

Crunch the numbers of your new cost of living and look around for the best location for you. If you know any co-workers who relocated before you or friends who live there, ask them for recommendations and their experiences.

If visiting the area is not an option, do some online research, access connections or post in forums.

Don’t make long term commitments

Seeing your property once or researching the neighbourhood is a great starting point, however actually living in the community, and living day in day out in a place is a complete other thing! With that thinking, it’s recommended not to make long term commitments such as buying a new home straight away. What if your new friends live on the other side of town? What if your favourite places to visit are too hard to get to? Avoid that challenge by adventuring to different communities and renting for a short period of time to ensure you are making the best move for you. Having that flexibility will give you an open mind.