Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Jobseeking plus > Moving to a new town
Moving to a new town
There's a mythology about finding the ideal place to live that consumes the Brits, with questions of house prices, transport links and "town versus country" always on the tip of the tongue. Recent research on totaljobs.com suggests users see location as the second most important factor after salary when looking for a new role.
The reality is that moving house and getting a new job rate as two of the most stressful challenges for UK workers, so when they combine it's hardly surprising it can turn out to be a bumpy ride. Relocating can be a liberating, life-changing experience, but could also turn out to be one long ordeal of homesickness as you miss your friends, family and local pub.
Picking the right location is important, but so is the right attitude. So check our tips to make your move successful.
Do the sums
Before accepting a job you should run a check on fundamentals, like the price of living in the new town. Make sure the offered salary is compatible. It's easy to accept a higher salary than you are currently on but end up with less disposable income due to higher living expenses. Likewise, if you plan to stick with a job but move further away in order to get a bigger house for your money, you should be aware of the new cost of commuting which could come as a bit of a shock.
Out of town
Living out of town used to be the death knell for career-minded individuals, but technology has changed all that. Robin's Hood Bay, an area of outstanding beauty in Yorkshire, has become a popular destination for smaller companies following the broadband revolution. So if you have the urge to leave the Big Smoke, you'll be able to have your cake and eat it, too. A career with a smaller company could offer you job prospects without the slog and expense of a daily commute, and with the added bonus of spectacular views!
Picking a town
What makes a good town is a matter of taste. If you need good rail or road links and an airport nearby for your job, make sure those elements are near the top of your wish list. Usually most people's requirements include good places to eat and drink, sporting facilities, cinema, schools and access to clubs and interest groups. Some villages or towns even have the reputation of being friendly, like Great Glen in Leicestershire.
Getting connected
Unless you're a professional hermit, location by itself will not do it. People can either make or break your new job and you should be aware of regional differences when it comes to socialising.
Making friends
There's a temptation to think that if you're putting in the networking, a social life will happen overnight. But it's worth realising that if you're in a foreign country or even a new town, it might take a while to tune into the local ways and read the social signals correctly.
Moving country
If you're looking to move country for your new job, expect the upheaval to be more dramatic. As well as the excitement and challenge of a new culture and language, there are a hundred and one practical obstacles to overcome, too.
"Getting a bank account or a mobile phone is a nightmare!" warns Maaike Veen, a Dutch journalist working in London. It's often necessary to have a bank account for various services but you can't get that unless you've lived at an address for a certain period. "Best thing is to get your new employer to help out. They can act as a guarantor," she says.
You've done it before
Finally, if you've been a student, the likelihood is you've done this before. That experience will stand you in good stead for adapting to a new environment and making the right choices.
Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Jobseeking plus > Moving to a new town
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