From Here to There: Relocating for Your Job Without Losing Your Mind

Moving for work is more than just a job change – it’s a lifestyle shift

April 15, 2025

During my last job move, we relocated to a new country – and began a whole new adventure. After working my new part-time job collecting documents, filling out forms, and making logistical arrangements, we finally arrived at our new place. The busywork leading up to the move was finally done, and now we could enjoy our new life. But even that came with a learning curve – it seemed like we were learning 100 new things every day.

A job relocation might be one of the biggest career decisions you ever face. Many careers start out in rotational programs that come with one or more relocations. Or, you may be in a situation where your boss tells you, “We need you in a different city.” Suddenly, you’re thinking about some big questions – what will my life look like in a different location, and what’s it going to take to make it happen?

It’s exciting. It’s overwhelming. There’s so much to do! Let’s break it down together.

Step One: The Decision

Are you in a position to choose? For some, relocation is an expected next step in a career progression. For others, the relocation is a mandate. To continue building skills, expanding your responsibilities or learning a new part of the company, moving to a new site is necessary. Other times, moving locations is an opportunity – a chance to show your value in a new way.

If you’re not given an option, then you have to decide if you want to accept the new location or leave your current company. It’s a hard decision, and it will depend on many factors, including your long-term career goals and your personal situation. If you think moving is a positive step for you professionally, then embrace the new opportunity. If you think the move is a step off your planned path, you should reconsider.

If relocation is optional, you have more room to weigh the pros and cons carefully. And that’s where the real work begins.

Step Two: The Costs

A move to a new place is a change for both your career and your life. You’ll have to evaluate professional and personal considerations before you decide. Answer these questions to better understand the costs and benefits.

PROFESSIONAL

How will this move benefit your career growth? Will you be able to gain experiences you would not get by staying?
To what extent will your company visibility increase? Will you be in front of the decision-makers with a role in helping shape your future?
What are some other potential opportunities in your industry in the new location in case you need a back-up plan?
What does saying “No” do for your standing in your company?

PERSONAL

How will a move affect your partner, family, and your current support network?
How does the new location impact your lifestyle, interests, hobbies and recreation?
What are the financial implications – will you have to pay for the move, and is the cost of living different in the new location?

You may think of other considerations specific to your situation. It’s important to think through these questions as completely as possible to avoid stress and surprises later.

Step Three: The Preparation

When you’re getting ready to relocate, you are taking on an additional job to manage your move. You will have to continue to deliver in your current role at work while you juggle the move. It will be a stressful time, and this is where your skills as a level-headed professional will come into full force. Here are some tips to say on top of your job and your move at the same time:

1. Get Clarity on Your Company’s Relocation Policy

It’s likely that your company will offer some form of relocation package. You’ll want to know all the details you can, and you’ll want to understand where there might be special considerations for your specific move. You should become familiar with what’s covered for moving expenses (including packing, transport, storage if necessary), travel, temporary accommodations, house hunting, closing/lease costs, spouse/partner support and tax assistance. You may be offered a ‘lump-sum’ to cover miscellaneous costs. It’s a good idea to do your own estimate on what those costs could be. You should also determine if you company has any pay-back obligation for the relocation reimbursement in the event things don’t work out and you decide to leave the company.

2. Make a Plan – with a Move Timeline

If you haven’t moved before, you’ll quickly see that there are a lot of points on a move timeline. Some of the more important tasks you should get on the calendar include giving your current landlord notice, closing utilities accounts, resolving any local business obligations (e.g., local bank accounts) and arranging time for the movers. Looking for a new place to live in your new city can be time-consuming and exciting. Once you find it, it will be time to arrange local utilities and other services in your new place. Think about the needs of your spouse, partner or other family members too – they’ll likely have additional needs in the new location.

3. Stay Focused at Work

There are points in the process that you’ll feel like all you’re doing is managing the move. It can be disruptive, but you can take steps at work to keep on top of your game. First, prioritize by focusing on the most important projects and deadlines that impact your work. Stay current with your communications, especially with your manager and close colleagues. If you need to step away from your work to manage a move task, they will be ready to help you. Next, prepare for the transition from your job. Your manager will appreciate updated project status, completed milestones and instruction notes for your replacement. If necessary, take some of your vacation time so you have clear days to get everything in order.

Step Four: The Move

When you arrive in your new place, you’ll be eager to get established. While much of the hard work will be done, you’ll still have a lot of adjusting to do. Think about some small wins you can have right away. You likely had some routines in your old location that felt comfortable. Places like your favorite coffee shop, a great lunch spot or your gym made it feel like home. Finding similar routines in your new neighborhood will help ease the transition.

Once you’ve established some of these familiar routines, you can start to expand your local network through your new work colleagues, neighbors or even local professional groups in your industry. After the first 2-3 weeks, even a couple of new routines and a few new contacts will start to make you more comfortable.

Remember to stay positive throughout your initial time in your new location. Moving is hard and making a transition to a new job and a new location can be stressful. Try not to second-guess your move and continue to remind yourself of all the positive that come with the new opportunities to learn about a new place and take on an exciting new opportunity at work.

I’m in a Management Rotation Program.
What does this mean for me?

Many Management Rotation Programs have relocation as part of the deal. The company has invested a lot into your early career development. In addition to learning a new job for each rotation, you may be learning about a new place to live. Here are a few things to think about:

Maximize Your Learning – Your different jobs in a rotation program will expose you to new departments or functions. You’ll want to come up to speed quickly in the new role so you can learn as much as possible while you’re there. How can you make the most of this experience?
Broaden Your Network – Each move provides a chance to make new connections and practice maintaining your prior connections. How can you set aside time to be intentional about keeping up with colleagues from prior rotations?
Revisit Your Plan – A new rotation is a great time to check in with your career plan. How are the new skills you’re learning aligned with your short-term and long-term goals?
Maintain Your Personal Stability – Take time out to build your personal presence in your location. This might mean a new friend group, new hobbies, and new activities. Maintain your personal finance plan so it stays in line with your goals. How can you embrace your new city as a new adventure?

Call to Action: Make this Move Your Move

If you decide to take the plunge and relocate, remember that you are in control of your own path. Your career moves and your physical relocation are up to you and should be shaped by your own preferences, skills, experiences and values. If you’ve done your personal homework and reflected on your personal and professional goals, you’ll be in a great position to make the most of this growth opportunity.

Moves can be confusing and chaotic. You’ll encounter issues that just don’t seem to add up. You might question why the company is moving you all the way across the country? You might not understand why your household goods shipment will take 2 weeks to arrive? There will almost certainly be questions about specific parts of the job relocation policy, like why don’t they pay for your plane ticket to your new location?

Take these types of questions one at a time and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. A few more tips will help you work through the whole range of issues and questions that come your way:

Get to know your company’s human resources contact for relocation policy questions. Items will come up along the way, and you’ll want to have a close colleague to help you.
Be ready to politely and constructively question parts of your relocation policy that are not clear or not aligned with your specific circumstance. Companies write their relocation policies for their entire employee population. You’re an individual with individual circumstances. It’s possible that the policy didn’t anticipate your needs.
Write it down. Stay organized and keep lists of important dates and tasks. Remember to follow up any conversations with HR or your moving providers with an email recapping the conversation – this will help both of you to remember what you discussed.
Some parts of your relocation might not make sense. You can keep going back to your original decision-making notes about why the move is right for you. Stay focused on the big picture.

As a result of all the hard work and effort you put into moving, you’ll discover new skills and meet new colleagues at work, and you’ll have new experiences and find out a lot about yourself. Soon you’ll be on your way to seeing that your relocation could just be the best thing that ever happened to you.