Movin’ on up…

Moving for work is something that a lot of young pros are looking at; some looking forward to it, some dreading the possibility.  According to some Canadian statistics through Manpower, almost 80 percent of workers are willing to relocate for work (most only if it means a promotion).  And with the economy the way it is now, people will be jumping for ANY opportunity, regardless of where it’s at.

I’ve recently done the relocation thing, and so have a few friends of mine; each under different circumstances.  Here are a few things to think about:

1. Know yourself and set your goals
   Every career should start with a plan; not a self-contract, perhaps, but a broad outline of what you think you want.  It’s impossible to think about moving around without one.  Think about what you really want; do you want to do anything to move your career to a certain point?  Do you want to do anything to stay near home?  Do anything to be in a specific city?  Set your goals early and then  you’ll be able to find the opportunities you need to make them happen.
2. If you’re moving without a job
   A good friend from college knew she wanted to work in Chicago, but she was finding it hard to get employers to give her a chance while not local to the area.  So she got brave and moved to the Windy City sans gig, supporting herself with her fabulous java slinging skills for the short term.

   The thing about moving BEFORE you’ve got the job is to expect to wait.  Want to live in a specific city?  Good for you!  But you’d better bet on supporting yourself with a temp gig or the good ol’ barista standby while you job hunt in your career field.

3. The coveted transfer Job
   So you know you need the stability of a job before you’ll move, okay!  Now how to make it happen?  I got lucky, I stumbled into a company with a sister office across the country and then made myself available when the opportunity to transfer arrived.  You might want to be more deliberate.

   If you know you want to move somewhere but don’t care exactly where, then look for a job you love in a company with multiple offices (and make sure you start asking what transfer options the company supports early on).  Transfers probably aren’t the best option if you have a specific city in mind.  The way to earn a transfer is to 1) be fantastic at whatever it is you do (though this is always a good policy) and 2) apply for every opportunity and 3) make connections with colleagues in other offices!  If they know you and like you BEFORE you have the chance to transfer, they might help you land it.

4. Ambition drives the bus
   If you’re not particularly focused on the act of moving but will move if that’s what it takes, then think about joining national or international networking groups.  Keep up with people in your profession who live in other cities.  Network your ass off and never lose touch with anyone who liked your work and don’t be shy of letting them know that you’re willing to relocate for a good opportunity.

   A friend who is a television anchor has one of the best memories for people that I’ve ever known.  After relocating for a job (that she landed through professional outreach), she quickly found several people she had worked with in the past that helped her build her local credibility much more quickly.

The question of what to do AFTER moving for work is a whole other beast, something I’ll probably tackle in the future.  Just remember to consider what you want well in advance so when an opportunity pops up, you’re able to work quickly and make it happen!