Promotion or Demotion: Is the Job Opportunity Worth the Move?

Whether you've already been offered a position or you're thinking of starting the job search, deciding to move to another city for a job can be a difficult decision. There are a million factors to consider before saying yes to a new place, so be sure you do your homework and ask yourself a few questions to see if it's worth it or not.

• How much will a move cost? Moving isn't exactly a cheap venture, and it's definitely something that you should consider when you're offered a job in a new city. If you're leasing where you currently are, you may have to break your lease, which can be costly. Moving trucks and teams are notoriously expensive and to top it all off you're going to have to put down what's most likely a large sum wherever you end up. If the job is going to be paying you significantly higher than the cost of moving may be worth it. Or if they offer moving expenses reimbursement it may be worth it as well. But these options don't help a whole lot when you find yourself short on money when it comes time to pay for all of these things up front. If the job is worth it you can look for alternative sources to help you get money quickly when you need it. You can apply online and choose how long you need the funds for so that you'll have time to get settled into your new place and get your first paycheck.
  
• How does the cost of living compare? A raise is never a bad thing, but it also doesn't mean you've found something that's worth the move. If you're moving from a suburban sprawl to a downtown loft, the price is bound to be pricier. Transportation can be more costly, utilities can be more expensive – even food can be pricier in major cities. Do yourself a favor and check out the cost of living where you're from and where you're moving and do the math to determine if that raise will actually mean more money in your pocket. If you're just looking for a change of scenery and don't care about the extra money, by all means take advantage of the offer.
  
• Will your partner find work? If you're moving with your family, you may also have to consider what your partner is going to be doing when you arrive. Sometimes it's easy to transfer depending on the company, but other times it's not so simple. If they plan on quitting their job to follow you, check out the job market where you're heading. If they work in agriculture, a major city probably isn't going to yield them much on the job front much like a reporter might have a hard time finding work in the suburbs. If you're making enough money to support you both, congrats! You've obviously hit the jackpot. But in all other cases, consider both careers before making the decision.

Check out a few more questions to ask yourself before committing to a job in a new city. There's never really a wrong answer because it depends on the specific situation, but be wary before making such a drastic change unprepared.