Mark Miller — October 25, 2017 — October 25, 2017
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It finally happened; you’ve been working with a marketing headhunter and were offered the ideal marketing job. It’s an ideal fit for your skills experience, the pay is good, and it’s with a great company with an excellent culture and plenty of growth opportunities. It’s everything you wanted, and will make a smart step in moving your career forward.
There’s just one small obstacle that’s causing you to hesitate from committing immediately: the empty seat that needs filling is 100 miles away. Or 500. Maybe it’s in another country altogether.
Bottom line: it’s way outside of your typical commute range. That usually means one of two things: you’re either going to have to pass on an incredible job opportunity–or you’re going to have to make a big move.
What should you do?
As recruiters for marketing jobs, we’ve watched as relocation has become more and more of a cultural and professional norm, especially for senior business professionals. New job opportunities are now the third most common reason for relocation today. But that doesn’t make it easier, or the idea of uprooting your life any less intimidating.
This is a difficult, and ultimately extremely personal, decision to make. But it’s also one that you are very likely to be faced with in the near future, if you haven’t been already. When and if the time comes, it’s wise for experienced marketing professionals to make a few key considerations.
Start Thinking about it NOW
The worst time to do all your relocation consideration is when an offer is on the table or when recruiters for marketing jobs start calling and asking if you’re open to the idea. It’s difficult to make smart decisions and weigh all your options when you’re on a tight deadline and under a lot of pressure.
Marketing is moving faster than ever, and employers need to recruit and hire fast to keep their teams going. If a marketing headhunter with a great job opening comes along, you can’t assume you’ll have days or weeks to deliberate. Your prospective employer will get impatient, or a more decisive candidate will commit to the opportunity and take it.
That’s why it’s wise to think about the possibility of relocation now, and periodically reconsider the topic as you move through various career and life stages. You’re not expected to make a decision before you even know about what opportunities hold, but a head start in comparing your options will empower you to make better decisions when the time comes.
Consider it–and not just on your own. Start a conversation with your family, friends, and anyone else who would be impacted by a potential move. This is not the kind of discussion to suddenly drop on them at the last minute.
During your consideration, you may ultimately decide that relocation is simply not an option for the foreseeable future. That’s okay; everyone has different priorities for their home, family, lifestyle, and career. Knowing this ahead of time will help you avoid wasting your time and the time of any recruiters for marketing jobs that contact you with far-off opportunities.
On the other hand, you may realize that relocation could be an option if the right opportunity presented itself. In that case, you should consider what that “right opportunity” would mean. What would it take in terms of compensation and other accommodation to convince you to move? What kinds of places would you be open to relocating yourself and your family to?
Key Things to Consider from Recruiters for Marketing Jobs
In order to make an informed decision, you have some research to do and considerations to make.
First, it’s wise to look into the city where the opportunity is located. How does the cost of living compare to your current hometown? How active is the industry/field you work in, and how many opportunities will there be if you decide to make another career move in the future? What does the housing market look like? If you have children, or think you may in the foreseeable future, then the quality of the school systems in the area may come into play as well.
Many people are reluctant to commit to a relocation opportunity because the timing just isn’t right. Maybe you have a child about to graduate from high school, or a major life event coming up that you want to stay put for. In these cases, consider creative ways you might be able to take the new opportunity. Maybe you could work with the employer to arrange a remote work situation temporarily, or move ahead of your family for a few months while they tie up lose ends and wait for a more opportune moment to make the move.
Not the Nightmare You Think It is
Relocating for a job can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time making a big move.
But our experience after placing and relocating countless professionals as recruiters for marketing jobs is that it’s usually not as bad as people imagine.
The reality is that it’s never been easier to move for a job. Services and infrastructure built up to support relocation make it surprisingly manageable to find a great new home and move your family and possessions. And for experienced marketers, there have never been more opportunities for upward mobility through relocation. In fact, about one in seven management and executive jobs are now filled by a relocation.
You’ve overcome daunting life and career obstacles before; relocation is just another challenge to conquer.
Whatever lifestyle you’re used to, you can almost always find something similar if you look in the right places. Buying a new house and moving is stressful when you’re in the middle of it, but is typically over with quickly and endured without lasting side effects. Families are more resilient and adaptive than most people realize, and will probably acclimate to the new environment faster than you think.
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