The
prevailing scarcity of jobs in the country makes fresh graduates and
even experienced job seekers jump at the idea of taking up any job offer
in a new city different from their current domicile. Often times the
logic is that one never knows when another offer for a job will come.
While it is a good thing to land a job in another city different from
where you live you have also to consider several things so as to not
end up taking a job that doesn’t end up looking good for you. When you
take up such jobs in new locations without considering and planning for
the contingencies you might end up having a job with several attendant
challenges and distractions.
An informal survey of most working class adults who change location
or move to a new city will show that majority of such movements and
relocation come as a result of a new job or transfer at an existing job.
Deciding to relocate because of a new job is almost always a personal
decision for the candidate with maybe some input by family and friends.
The adaptability to move depends on several factors which include the
candidate’s age and stage in life. You would find that younger,
non-married persons would find it easier to change cities for a new job
than older, married people who may have to first consider their families
before taking up an offer to move.
Here are questions experts believe you should ask before taking up a
job in a new and different location. These questions are pointed at
yourself and your prospective employer mostly.
Is there Assistance and or Compensation for Relocation?
Many companies and organisations when advertising for a position in a
particular location indicate that only candidates who already live
within or close to that location will be considered. They do this
because they are not willing or able to finance a candidate’s relocation
to the city where they need the job.
Sometimes however a company advertises a position and does not state
its intentions on whether or not it will assist a suitable candidate to
relocate. Don’t make the mistake of assuming they will help with your
move, ask and be clear on whether they will or will not assist you with relocation.
If the company isn’t willing to help you with relocation costs
including housing, transportation etc you would have to consider if the
offer and pay is good enough for you to risk relocation. Also be sure
you can cope with the challenges and cost of relocation without
assistance. Only move when the above issues are clearly settled
Do You Feel Apprehensive?
It is normal to feel unsure and afraid of what the future portends
when taking a bold decision such as relocating for a new job. Things
might or might not turn out well and you could regret moving. Check how
you feel about the prospects for the new job. You should relocate
because you want to and not because you should.
Will You Adapt to The New Location?
There have been instances of footballers and other professionals
making a move to a new club in a different city and failing to cope in
the new city. Learning what you can about the prospective new location
will help you make a better decision. You will have to consider the
weather, the culture of the people, cost of living etc before deciding
to move. Each important factor not well considered can later cause you
to regret your move. For instance you may be in a smaller town and get a
job offer to move to Abuja. While the new job may come with a better
pay package you may find that you spend actually so much on
transportation, housing and feeding that what you take home is
eventually smaller than before. Considering the new location and
comparing with the old is an important part of the analysis you need to
do. Get around the new city for a few days after your interview and try
to get a hang of the place. If you have a family, there are questions to
consider such as; Will your kids adapt to the new town? Are there good
schools around for them to go to?
