Sunday, September 18, 2011

To Move or Not To Move?

If you follow me on Twitter, (like you should), then you've already heard that I'm looking for employment again.  What's different this time is that I'm not leaving on my own terms, but because I'm being forced. My client has decided to outsource their entire department, and I've got no choice but to go find something else.

One of the hurdles I've run across in this search is that many of the leads I've been gifted with so far are in locations out of state. I'm based in Columbus, Ohio. So far, the one local lead I'm interested has seemed to have stalled. I'm on limited time, and I'm not quite patient enough to wait six months to find out if people are interested. I've so far talked to potential employers in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. All three sound like good jobs, but the logistics of moving are very daunting. I even recently turned down an offer from a friend to help me in my search, because the job may be in North Carolina. It hurt to do that, but... that's really far...

So, my question to you is, have you ever relocated for a job? What issues did you find with that? Did you have a family to move? A house to sell? Also, if you live in one state, and work in another, what issues do you see from that arrangement?

Any input is welcome, and appreciated.  Thanks!
-D.

3 comments:

Josh Fennessy said...

Ok, well, first bit of advice is DON'T MOVE UNTIL YOU SIGN THE PAPERS! :)

That being said, moving, while very stressful, can be a very cathartic process. After being rooted in one place for 10 years, I've now done it twice in 2. My moves were of course, small in comparison, but meh, moving is moving.

I can also tell you that NC is much more awesomer than Columbus =P

Many firms will help to cover moving expenses, and the rest of it will indeed fall in line, selling house, etc. Somethings you can only do so much planning for. Talk to a Realtor in your area, some will also help to rent it if that's something that you would be open to.

All and all, my advice is, don't discount a move. Stressful yes. Worth it, probably. An adventure waiting to happen, definitely.

Good luck!

Jen said...

I moved to Columbus for a job, but also to escape the tiny, hated town I was in, so not exactly the same thing.

Recently, however, I started working remotely (for a company in North Carolina, oddly enough). Are there any remote options for you? I find that working remotely suits me and my life perfectly. I travel periodically to NC, but it's a nice little break.

David M Maxwell said...

Thanks to both of you for your input. :-)

@Josh - never do ANYTHING until the paperwork is signed. :-) Seriously, though, I've been talking to a few people out of state. Some of the positions sound like really great opportunities. I'm not turning anything within driving distance away.

@Jen - Remote work is something I've been asking about. Some of the positions I've been discussing with people start with a few months on site, then transition to remote positions. That kind of training is usually worth it, from what I've seen.