How to survive and make the most of job relocation

With unemployment figures worryingly high and the rest of the economy looking bleak, having the guts to relocate for a job is a great advantage to have over your competitors. Proving to a potential employer that you are willing to relocate will demonstrate how committed you are to your career.

Once you’ve secured the job in a faraway land, you may think the hard part is over. However, starting from scratch, especially if you’re going solo, can be really daunting. Here are some tips on how to remain calm in the face of unknown territory:

Get to know the area before you move

This may seem obvious, but if you can get to know the area you’re moving to as soon as possible, you’ll feel a lot more settled in work. There’s no way to familiarise yourself with the job until your first day, so spending some quality time exploring the grounds surrounding beforehand will be beneficial.

Be extra friendly

Living in a new area, you have plenty to gain from being as friendly as possible to your new colleagues. Not only will it make you feel more at ease in work, but making friends will make time outside of work more enjoyable.

Also, embrace any differences you have with your new colleagues. Moving from one end of the country to the other can result in differing accents, dialect and much more. Don’t try and fit in – be yourself and ice-breakers will ensue.

Be positive

If anyone asks you how the move went or how you’re finding your new location – keep it light. Of course, if things aren’t going great it’s wise to confide in someone. However, people don’t want to hear petty dislikes about the area they work in, so keep it upbeat and kind.

Think ahead

It might seem quite obvious – but be organised before your relocation to alleviate as much stress as possible once you’ve moved. Remember to take with you any documents you will need for your first day of work: ID, new address and bank details, and make sure you know where you have packed them!

Keep motivated

By keeping your future career goals at the forefront of your mind, you can feel better about the massive upheaval, and constantly remind yourself of why you’re where you are.

Learn from the professionals

If your relocation sees you spending some time in hotels before securing a property, fear not. Andy Shenton, Head of Recruitment Marketing at RBS Insurance, a provider for insurance jobs, has re-located for several roles and stayed in hotels to begin with.

Andy advises using time spent in a hotel to get to know the local area before renting a property. He also says that it’s a good idea to understand what is included in your relocation policy, from accommodation type to food allowances. He says that living out of a suitcase can be a great networking/socialising opportunity, so stay clear of the hotel restaurant!

His last piece of advice: “if you’re unsure what relocating with work is like then please watch Alan Partridge.”