Relocating for work after graduation could be the adventure you need.
But before you decide if it is the right course of action for you, it is imperative you consider the pros and cons.
The Pros
Relocating Gives You a Fresh Start
If you have been living on campus at university for the last few years, you may think you already know what it is like to move to a new place and meet new people.
But relocating for work after graduation is not quite the same.
You will not be in the same boat as everyone else around you and you will have to learn to be more independent.
However, that is not a disadvantage of relocating; only something to be aware of. Making a fresh start after graduation has enormous benefits.
While other students stay in their university cities or move back home as they consider their futures, you will be embracing the future immediately by going somewhere new.
Relocating can be daunting, but it can help to build your confidence and give you a brand-new beginning with a clean slate.
Relocating Offers More Opportunities
Quite simply, different areas have different employment opportunities.
Generally, you will find more roles available at large corporations in key cities and more small and medium-sized businesses out in the sticks.
If you want to progress in your chosen field, you may need to relocate. For instance, if you are pursuing a career in the arts, you could find more opportunities in San Francisco than in Portland.
By making yourself more flexible to work in different locations, your chances of employment increase massively, whatever sector you want to work in.
Relocating Gives Greater Earning Potential
Different locations also offer different financial rewards. For instance, lawyers or accountants in one area of the US will not earn as much as in another region.
If you have a firm goal in mind for the role you want to pursue and the income you want to achieve, relocating is your best option to realize your ambition.
The Cons
Relocating Is Expensive
Wherever you consider relocating to, moving is expensive. Consider the price for things like moving vehicle hire, rent, travel costs, insurance, and tax.
You also need to consider the living costs of your new location. Some places are much more affordable than others.
If you cannot afford to relocate, you may need to rethink your options.
It could be worthwhile staying put to save some money before you apply for jobs in other states, or even other countries.
You Could End Up Relocating to an Uninteresting Place
If your career is at the top of your life priorities, it makes sense to relocate to a place that can help you work in your chosen field and obtain the salary you are after.
However, it is important you consider the negative aspects of relocating before you dive in headfirst.
Where you relocate to can make a huge difference to your happiness and wellbeing.
For instance, you may soon get bored in a small town where there are few places to socialize, or you may struggle if your nearest grocery store is miles away.
Make sure you familiarize yourself with any place you do not know that you are considering relocating to. Sometimes, the job alone is not worth the move.
Leaving People Behind Can Be Hard
Relocating can take its toll on you emotionally and mentally if you are moving away from loved ones you see every day to a new place where you do not know anyone.
Consider how you will feel leaving behind your family and friends before you decide whether to relocate.
