Should you move for a job?
Jennifer Van Buskirk
EVP & GM Mid-Markets, AT&T Business – Connecting people to greater possibilities with simplicity, expertise, and inspiration | Leadership | STEM | Innovation | Culture
“Team Van Buskirk” has arrived in the Northeast. It is our 4th move as a family with kids and the 10th move in my career. I strongly believe that relocating for the right job has been the right thing for my family, but it’s not an easy decision and it’s not for everyone.
In some companies, being unwilling to move means that you are limiting your potential for professional progression. That’s a hard reality to hear for many. It is a tough life-impacting decision. But, if you are willing – and able – to move, relocating can have an incredibly rewarding impact on your career.
I remember a piece from Forbes a few years ago, “20 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Relocate for a Job”. Here’s a snapshot:
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Will I love my new job?
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Is the job one in which I can envision myself learning and advancing my career?
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Is the culture of the new company and new city a good match for me and my family?
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What are the benefits of relocating and do they outweigh the obstacles?
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Is my significant other on board and where will he or she work?
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What is there to do in the new city besides work?
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Will we be happy in this new place?
For our family, we decide what is best for “Team Van Buskirk” together, then everyone is supportive when we face the (sometimes) painful realities of those choices. Ultimately, you have to understand what you value in life and make choices that align with those values. No one can tell you what the right choice is. You have to know what is right for you, and be confident in your decision. Then, you will be content with the consequences – both good and bad.
Managing Partner
8 年Glad to hear that "Team Van Buskirk" is settled in your new home. Agreed - relocating comes with a lot of soul searching , but that's when being part of a strong unit comes into play. Congratulations again and can't wait to see what the next chapter brings your way.
Information Technology Sales Professional ...Relationship Collector / Broker of Connections
8 年Great post and strong points to consider. I love the vision and feeling of family as a team. Well done.
Director of Sales at RecirQ
8 年Made me reconsider relocating for an opportunity to advance my career in the future. Definitely a difficult decision as it involves leaving your comfort zone and starting all over elsewhere. As long as the family supports the decision and significant other is onboard I will definitely be open to relocating.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
8 年A career in Mobility is def worth moving for!!
Leadership Development Evangelist | Creative Pathfinder | Change Management Practitioner | High Potential Talent Developer
8 年Thanks so much for sharing this, and I hope that Team Van Buskirk finds their new surroundings comfortable and off of great things to do together! I too have moved for the company - from DC to Dallas, and the opportunities that move brought me to further my career were truly priceless. Everyone has their own circumstances, but with a supportive family unit it's all about being able to take the big leap, communicating openly and honestly about what's working and what isn't, and committing to do what it takes to keep the balance.