Relocation Tips for the Totally Stressed Out

So the economy is not very good and for whatever reason you're looking at a job that is not where you are. You've gotten a lot more flexible in your new position criteria and it looks like you might have to relocate to get the compensation you need. Welcome to today's life boat and there are plenty of other with you.

Relocation is one of the most stressful commitments you can make. Trust me, I've moved eight times in my career. Big ones, too, to areas where I've never lived and you don't know a single soul except your coworkers or customers. It's big-time stress and it can be the blessing you hope it is or it can go the other way and damage other areas of your life. Hey, I'm no guru but I have a few things for you to think about.


Now this is mainly for families, so if you're single, take the relo and broaden your horizons!


1. Make sure this is the job you want. It seem simple but as the money runs out and you get more desperate it can cloud your judgment. This is a BIG commitment and it will upset your entire life so do a thorough analysis of the job. You'll have to move quickly, too. Employers want your firm answer quickly after you get an offer so do your homework before you have to make a decision.


You like to always think that this will be your last job but it doesn't hurt to think down the line a bit. For example, will the new gig give you exposure other opportunities. This will happen if you move to a larger market where there are more companies looking for talent. But as market size increases so do the living costs and crime rates, amount other things. Big cities, big city problems.

2. Does the area suit you? When I was hiring for a position in Texas (I love Texas by the way, but I don't want to live there) I knew that the candidate had to either already be there or was from there and wanted to go back. It's a great state but the weather can be oppressive; hot and humid in the long summer with biblical thunderstorms and icy and cold in the winter. If you live near the Gulf coast, there's a threat of hurricanes. So the weather in the new location is only one consideration. Consider what is important to you.


3. What is the time line? Of course your new employer will want you to get to work as soon as possible so make sure you communicate with them about your thoughts on how long it will take. If you own a home these days, it's going to take longer to get things going. Remember, in the short term you will be travelling to your new job while your spouse hold down the fort. Be nice when you come home.


Remember too, that as you get closer to moving day your spouse is going to get stuck packing a lot of the stuff just because they want to and regardless of whether it's part of your relo package. It's a LOT of work and you're just in the new location living in a hotel and eating out all the time. At least that what your spouse thinks. Again, be nice when you get home.


4. Don't rush to buy a house in a new area; do it only if you're absolutely convinced that "this is the place." Rent for a while and put your excess stuff into storage. A little simpler life style where you don't have to mow the lawn or fix the leaky faucet will help with the transition.


5. Explore. The new job will give you plenty of time to explore since you won't have any distractions like your spouse, kids, kid's ball games, etc. Really, those things are vitally important and I'm not trivializing them. But you're there alone; use the time learn your way around and see what's going on. If you are attracted to a new area, drive around after work to see what's happening.


Get a good realtor to show you around. I can't stress this enough; they are usually natives and can steer you away from the less desirable areas. And, the best part is it's free. Of course, if someone was your guide and helper be sure to use them to buy a place when you get there. It's only fair.

We liked to shop for a church at the same time. Again, you'll probably have to do this since you'll be stuck at the new location on weekends but it's usually easy to meet some new folks and get advise about the area.

Find some nice restaurant that you and your spouse can use to celebrate the new digs. Remember, be nice!


6. Tell your kids in an age appropriate manner. You should have this discussion as soon as you know the possibility of a move is there. Don't chicken out and if you have teenagers, my prayers are with you. You will be the devil incarnate unless you have a great relationship with them. Say this mantra: "This too will pass. This too will pass."


I've found it best to talk to them about the challenges as well as the good things. A coating of sugar just won't work; they're smarter than you anyway. The old "we need your help because you're part of this" talk is badly needed. The usual chores have to be done, no slacking, if for no other reason but you have to be ready for a realtor to show the house. Being honest goes a long way but at the end of the day, hey, we're moving and we're all in this together.

Coming in for a landing...
With all of this, congratulations on your new job, the new area, and all of the new experiences you are about to have . Try to relax and just put one foot in front of the other. You'll be fine!