So you got a promotion and you will be making more money, but the catch is, you have to move across the country to take the position. For you it is a no brainer, take the job and move. Not so quickly, have you thought about what you need to ask your spouse? You are asking him/her to leave a home, memories, friends, and many other things.
1) Reason for the transfer. Keep the lines of communication open and talk about the new job. The decision to take a new job and relocate is a decision for a couple to make together. It may be helpful to sit down together and right a list of pros and cons to taking the new job. Also, keep in mind how it will affect the rest of your family, especially if you have kids.
2) Relocation Benefits. Does the company pay to move you and your family? Most of the time they will. Also, do they pay for you and your spouse to go to the new city and look for homes? Make sure you get all the details and discuss them together!
3) So you will be making more money, but what is the cost of living in the new city? If the cost of living is higher, then the increase in pay may only cover the higher expenses; thus making the move not worth the hassle. If the cost of living is higher in the new city, talk to your company about how they can assist you with that.
4) Can your spouse find a job in the new city? Find out what jobs are available and what the job market is like in the new city. Decide together if your spouse will begin looking for a job as soon as possible or if he/she will arrive in the new city, help get the household settled, and then begin looking for a job.
5) The New City. What does this new place have to offer? Find out what kind of community features it has. It is always a good idea to find out what style houses are available and how much they are.
6) Schools. If you have kids you will definitly want to look into the school systems in the new city. It may raise the question of if you want to put your children in a private school. There are all kinds of websites out there that can give you information about the schools in your new city. Make the decision together as to which school district is best for your children.
7) Family Needs. Make sure everyone in the family can continue to enjoy what they do. If your child loves gymnastics, then make sure the new city has a center where he/she can continue that passion. If you think that your parents or in-laws may need to move close to you, make sure there is a facility that can accomodate them.
Going to another country? You should find out what the cultural differences are in the new country. Sometimes something that is considered polite in the United States can be very offense in another country and vice versa. Also, look into medical care. Can you get a family doctor there and what kind of emergency facilities do they provide?
As always, if you are relocating to the Raleigh, NC area, Michelle Edwards is happy to help you find a new home and make the transition as smooth as possible. Are you moving somewhere else in the country? Michelle knows lots of qualified agents across the country that she can put you in touch with.
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