Moving Because Of Research Opportunities? Here Are The Top Considerations

In a recent survey, 38% of respondents said that the main reason they would relocate for work is the promise of more opportunities for career progression and a higher salary. Are you relocating to a new area for research opportunities and career progression? You need to know your entitlements and what to consider before making the big decision. Keep reading for a guide to the top considerations for job relocation.
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Understand Your Relocation Policy And Options

If you are relocating to take advantage of research opportunities for your job, you should look out for your company’s relocation policies, packages, and options. A relocation package or policy is designed to help you relocate to a new area easily. The things you should look out for in your company’s relocation policy include:
  • Relocation allowance – if you need temporary accommodation, food, and storage for your move, you should ask your employer about your relocation allowance. Your employer should contribute to these costs associated with relocation.
  • Relocation assistance – you need to know that you’ll gain the necessary contacts in your new area to branch out and avoid feeling stranded. Your company should provide you with contact details for your new coworkers. Your employer should also offer you administrative support throughout the moving process to ensure you can access everything you need to live comfortably.
If your company is not offering a relocation policy, you should remind them that it is in their best interest to do so. A relocation package or policy is the best way for HR teams to encourage employees to volunteer for relocation.

Consider Your Apartment Wants And Needs

When choosing an apartment in your new city, you should consider your wants and needs. Do you need a park close by to walk your dogs or a building with an on-site gym? You should look for neighborhoods with rich amenities, such as restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment facilities. To ensure your comfort in your new area, you should also look for an apartment complex with a stringent security offering. Moving to a new place can be scary without the excess worry of a break-in. The security cameras at apartment complexes should have a view of every door that allows visitors to enter and access control solutions that will keep the building secure without causing inconvenience. Some security technology solutions allow occupants to enter with their mobile device via Bluetooth, allowing them to enter without taking their mobile from their pocket. Mobile-first access solutions also help you should you lose your device. If you contact your landlord or building manager, they will be able to grant you access to your apartment remotely using a mobile application or cloud-based control center. So you won’t be waiting for hours on the street in a new city. Most importantly, however, you need to look for an apartment that will give you easy access to your research facility. A long commute would make the big move seem pretty futile, no?

Consider Your Transport

Since the pandemic ended, researchers have been able to return to the lab and continue their work and no longer have to work remotely. You must consider how you will travel to your new research facility daily. If your new apartment is within walking distance, that would be ideal. If you can’t find a property within walking distance, you should consider what kind of transport links are available at the apartments you’re considering. Look for train stations, driving routes, and bus stops near the apartments to ensure you have a convenient way to travel to work at your new location.

Look For A Strong Job Market

If you like your new area, you may wish to stay once your contract is up with your existing company. So, determine whether the area has a strong job market in your research field, so you can rest easy knowing you can decide to stay at the end of your term.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Consider The Cost Of Living

Your company should offer you a salary that aligns with the cost of living in your new area. However, this isn’t always the case. You need to check out the cost of living in your new area before signing or starting the moving process. If the cost of living in the area is astronomical and your company is offering you no pay bump, it might be time to reconsider the relocation. Or, you could renegotiate the contract with your employer based on the cost of living in the new area. Since you’re willing to relocate, and they might struggle to fill your shoes, your employer will likely be amenable to these changes.

Summary

Relocation is a huge commitment, and you must evaluate the new area properly before moving. You also need assurance that your company will offer full relocation support to help you move seamlessly. Consider the tips in this article when choosing a new apartment for your research relocation, and you’re bound to have a smooth relocation experience.