Relocation Exploration

Exploring relocation changes everything you know. Probably, in a familiar environment, the routine of going to work and paying bills contributes to a stable and comfortable mindset. Even changing this mindset takes a lot of consideration. Not only is there a financial decision (pro and con), consequently there is an emotional attachment to friends, family, or community. Perhaps this familiarity with the “known” is handcuffing you to average?

We recommend focusing on the big picture. Certainly change your focus from a job search to a career transition. Above all, analyze and document everything regarding your career and personal needs and wants. Another, imagine achieving new possibilities in your career. Be prepared, though, as people around you will start appealing to your emotions.

As a recruiter, certainly, we need to know you have been ready to relocate for 1-3 months before we receive your application.

Relocation Considerations:

–Are you moving ‘FROM‘ or ‘TO‘ something?
–Are you open to the adventure/exploration of a new community or is relocation a matter of necessity?
–Is a little green space important to you or is a career in urban Canada your preference?
–Is your quality of life important?
–Are you looking to slow down the rush hour to a rush minute?

The above helps you prepare for a move ‘TO‘ your future.

Above all, you are setting yourself up for failure if your attitude is: “I can always move back” or “I will move now and my family follow in 18 months”.

Relocation Priorities (in this order):

1. Adventure / exploration / geography
2. Quality of life at and outside of work
3. Major responsibilities and challenges of a position
4. Career growth and future marketability
5. Stability
6. Compensation

As recruiters, we have a saying “if nothing changes, everything will remain the same”. Thus, career transition and/or relocation are often the biggest decisions people make. People resist their desires and risk-assess “everything-to-death”. For that reason, most people only have a finite supply of decision-making power the more people involved – the timelines expand. Your new employer, hiring manager, HR staff, and spouses, parents, friends, etc. all will have an opinion as a result. As each stakeholder dilutes things – interest depletes. The more involved they are in the decision, trade-offs and/or compromises occur even more. Unfortunately, some become reluctant to even decide at all. The topic itself is exhausting and can easily take its toll

Often relocation will allow an individual to remain in an industry of choice or to explore a new sector. As a result, you will make strategic connections and meet new individuals from across the nation, which will allow you to learn and experience more. Every decision in the process involves risks. Both you and the employer are, ultimately, gambling on success. To use a common cliche – “your attitude will determine your altitude”.

As a result, you and your significant other(s) need to become “relocation ready”. We certainly discourage delaying discussions within your family unit. Don’t create unnecessary tension by applying without prior relocation discussion and buy-in from your significant others. It will also destroy your credibility with the recruiter and the potential employer! Help us, therefore, catch your vision for a career transition. Sell your relocate-ability!

Marathon or Sprint?

Review your career and relocation options as you would train for a marathon. Take time, commitment, and dedication to review all the factors that affect your career, family values, and community.

Many of the roles at GRS are located in rural Canada.  Here are some considerations regarding a move to a rural community or small town.