Relocation Advice

Society Business and Career
1

After much thought, I have decided to relocate in a few months time. Although I feel that I have done quite well for myself in the present firm, it is time to move on to bigger challenges.

I need your thoughts on relocation planning:

  • Getting a job. I would like to do this prior to moving.
  • Wrapping things up. Obvoiously matters have to be kept confedential at work.

Fortunately, I am planning on moving to a city my parents live so accomodations will not be a problem. As for jobs, I feel more than overwhelmed looking at the opportunities. There are literally thousands of open positions so its a bit tough to wade through them.

2

Re: Relocation Advice

a few things

1) as far as your current employer goes, you relocating is not any different froim you moving to a diff company locally. The only difference is if you have to take days off for interviews.

2) for your personal affairs, you probably have to give a certain amount of notice to your landlord when you decide to move. call utilities, phone, etc, make sure they cut them off. set yoru forwarding address a week before you actually move, sometimes it takes them a little time to process that. ( I am assuming that you are renting and dont own a place)

3) the new company, they may or may not give you a relo package. either way, figure out whhether its worth it to move all the stuff you have or to sell it.

for jobs, dont just look at any jobs, if there are many opportunities, look at target companies first, believe me there is a huge difference not only in quality of life working for diff companies, but also what it means on your resume.

so filter opportunities by company, role, and how it would relate to your long term goals.

3

Re: Relocation Advice

Thank you sir. Valuable advice.

  1. I have enough vacation days to take the time off for interviews. Feel rather guilty because I had 'promised' to hang around until Summer 08 but I just can't bear it any more. Already started clean-up work. Groomed a junior person to take over but will try to do my best to get everything done.

  2. I am renting. I adore my landlady, she has treated me like son. My place is utilities included, no phone, but definitely need to set up mail forwarding, sell furniture etc. I am actually planning on finding a replacement tenant for her, so that the monetary impact of my departure is minimized.

  3. Relocation package would be a dream but I am not counting on it. I need to get rid of my furniture because I will be moving back to my parents house. Even selling the car. Basically minimizing the expenses, by moving down with books, clothes and my computer. I can always buy again once I am settled into the new position.

As you said, I am going to look at specific companies and try to do extensive research on them. My alumni office has an agreement with Vault, so reading the company surveys has been great.

I wanted to ask, what do you think about informational interviews? Does HR grant them anymore? Or is it a purely networking type situation?

Although I know that moving makes a lot of sense, there is still something bittersweet about leaving a city that has been a part of your formative years, the good people you leave behind etc.

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Re: Relocation Advice

I have little personal experience with informative interviews with HR as the go between, it has always worked best with direct contact with the person.

if you know already u are moving, slowly start sending things home, UPS ground for example.

if u dont mind me asking where are you currentlya nd where are you moving .. city wise. if you are not too far it may work best if you just drive the car to your folks and then sell it there. u can even pack it with most of yoru stuff. or if you ship the car over u can fill it up, send teh car by freight and then just fly home.

but that works if you are moving within the same country, which I am assuming you are.

you will need a car for your new job as well, so might as well have your current car, or take your time selling it.

I am getting the sense that youa re early in your career and probably have a basic car, correct me if I am wrong. If that is the case put it on craigs list and especially post it on bulletn boards at a nearby college or grocery stores near teh college.

moving is tough, it was very hard for me to leave the small town where my undergrad uni was.

5

Re: Relocation Advice

*I have little personal experience with informative interviews with HR as the go between, it has always worked best with direct contact with the person.
*

I am not entirely certain of the value of informational interview either. I was recruited for my present firm so things were so much easier :)

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if you know already u are moving, slowly start sending things home, UPS ground for example.
**

I should. I consider my books to me my prized possessions so I am going to send a few at a time.

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if u dont mind me asking where are you currentlya nd where are you moving .. city wise. if you are not too far it may work best if you just drive the car to your folks and then sell it there. u can even pack it with most of yoru stuff. or if you ship the car over u can fill it up, send teh car by freight and then just fly home.
**

I have sent you a PM. I would rather not say on a public forum. I would like to drive down with my stuff but unfortunately the timing isn't right. I have found a buyer willing to pay a good price. Besides, my car needs are not going to be so urgent in the new city. I do plan on buying but not out of necessity.

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I am getting the sense that youa re early in your career and probably have a basic car, correct me if I am wrong. If that is the case put it on craigs list and especially post it on bulletn boards at a nearby college or grocery stores near teh college.
**

I am fairly early in my career but do not have a basic car. Its a fairly expensive German luxury car, so getting the right price was important.

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moving is tough, it was very hard for me to leave the small town where my undergrad uni was.**

I agree. I seem to be going through nostalgia even before I have left. Life is good here, but the opportunities are rather limited. What makes it difficult is the "don't rock the boat" syndrome where I would be giving up life here: Good coworkers, decent Muslim community, comfortable at work, and used to the neighborhood so I question whether it will pan out to be a good choice.

On the other side, being close to my parents is important, hopefully more challenging opportunities in the new city and a fresh start also sounds really appealing.

Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it!