Maybe you are one of the many Americans who have decided it is time for a change of scenery, a different pace of life, or a different lifestyle altogether. Census Bureau data shows that nearly 7.9 million people moved between states in 2021, so you are not alone!
Making a move for a new start is complex – you must determine where to live, acquire housing, and secure a job. From CV writing to an ever-shifting economy, the latter is not always easy.
Below, we will discuss what to consider when making a new start. After all, you have personal, family, and financial needs. Then we’ll consider how to make your career transition as smooth as possible during your move.
Finding a Job
Moves are expensive, and making a move without having a job lined up can increase the stress of the experience. Consider these tips for removing the stress from the work aspect of your work/life balance move.
Same Job, Different Location
Companies with multiple locations are often happy to facilitate a transfer when you move. This is especially true of restaurants, retail stores, and other “chains.” Simply determine the nearest location to your new address and put in a transfer request well in advance of your move.
Pro tip: this process will go more smoothly if you have a good track record at your current workplace. Make sure you are known for arriving on time, following directions, getting along with your coworkers, and handling work assignments promptly.
What if your current company doesn’t have a physical presence in your new locale? Inquire about working remotely. Especially if much of your work is done via phone and computer, you may be able to maintain the same job from your home office.
Apply Before You Move
If you are not able to take your current job with you, you can begin the job hunt months before your actual move. Apply to positions online. Likely, you will visit the location in order to secure housing, so take the opportunity to visit some of the companies you are interested in. Let them know when you will be in town, and perhaps even request an informational interview.
Take On Gig Work
If you’re unable to secure work before making your move, picking up some gig or freelance work can take the pressure off. Transportation and delivery services like Uber, Lyft, Doordash, and GrubHub are easy to apply to, and you can work on your own time with whatever schedule fits your move. Other easy gigs include photography through Ocus or content writing via Textbroker.
A Smooth Move
Work is only half the equation in a work/life balance. Quality of life is the other—what does that consist of?
Consider Your Needs
When deciding where to move, you must consider whether a place adequately supplies what you and your family need. Food, water, and shelter are a given, but what local amenities will make your life run smoothly? If working remotely, you will need a strong, reliable internet connection. If you have children, you will want to look for a good school system.
Another necessity is affordable housing. Different places might have different levels of housing available within your budget. For example, in a big city where real estate is at a premium, your housing budget might cover a small apartment, while you may be able to rent or buy a larger house in the suburbs.
Consider Your Wants
Quality of life moves are centered around happiness. Ask yourself, what makes me happy? What do I most enjoy doing during my off hours? Where do I want to be?
For some, it may be a cozy coffee shop, a well-equipped gym, a lively bar scene, or plenty of fine dining and theater. Others crave the great outdoors, whether they be city parks or lonely mountain trails.
Balance Is Needed
It can be difficult to balance your wants, needs, and employment opportunities. One helpful method is to make a list of all the things you’d like to have in your ideal home base. Use it as a checklist to compare the qualities of locations you are considering.
You may find that one or more aspects are considerably more important to you than others. In this case, the one with the most check-marks doesn’t necessarily win, so weigh your options carefully. You will be glad you did.
Key Takeaways
Moving to improve your quality of life often revolves heavily around your job. Smooth out this part of your transition by transferring your current job, working remotely, applying to jobs well in advance of your move, or taking on gig work until you can secure a desired position.
The place itself is another vital factor. Determine what lifestyle is most pleasing to you – a busy city or a peaceful rural setting. Look for a place that supplies the amenities that make you happy. These could include reliable internet, a good school system, parks, hiking trails, fine dining, nightlife, or other attractions.
If you’re feeling burnt out, a quality-of-life migration might be the solution. Start researching your ideal move today.
