By Eric Kelly.
Relocating for a job can be a scary transition, but it can also be full of great opportunities. The key to making it a success is being prepared, so it helps to do some research on the area before you move. Find the perfect living space for your budget and figure out where important locations are–such as grocery stores and parks–so you’ll be able to settle in quickly. You’ll also want to stay on top of job news, and Jobbinghood has you covered with the latest stories from around the globe, along with career advice. Here’s a brief guide to help you get started on your journey.
Find the perfect location
When looking for a new place to live, it’s important to have a list ready of all the things you can’t live without and all the things you definitely don’t want. This is because there are always so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming to search properties without a way to narrow them down. Think first about whether you want a single-family home, an apartment, a condo, a townhome, or a duplex. A search platform that specializes in rentals will give you quite a few results to choose from, along with filters that will help you narrow down the choices with amenities. These might include things like fully furnished locations or an apartment with a patio or garage parking.
Do your research
While you’re doing an apartment search, think about how you can research the area in general. Look up your new city online to find out more about upcoming events, find out more about the area’s safety rating, get familiar with landmarks, and find the places you know you’ll need to visit at some point such as a doctor, dentist, and pharmacy (check with your insurance provider to see which ones are in your network). Once you have your living situation figured out, take a look at the neighborhood online as well. What’s the community like? Where is the closest dog park or restaurant? Is there street parking available? These are details that will help you feel more comfortable during your first few weeks in a new city.
Plan for networking
Not only will your research prove valuable for the move, but it will also help you figure out a plan for networking. Whether you’re working for a major company or branching out to form a business of your own, networking with like-minded people is essential. Ask your new employer about upcoming work functions you can attend. Use social media and sites like LinkedIn to find coworkers before your first day so you’ll have a few familiar faces. If you’re starting a new business, make it a point to get out into the community and meet local business owners, as they are always a good support system.
Prep for your first day
Now that you’ve done a little research, you might feel much more prepared to tackle your first day on the job. It’s still important, however, to think about the details. Will you be driving your own vehicle to work, or taking public transportation? Either way, you’ll want to make sure you understand how to find the location and how long it will take for you to arrive, factoring in traffic. Lay out an outfit the night before, and pack desk-friendly healthy snacks and/or lunch in case you don’t have time to go out and get something during the day. If you have paperwork filled out ahead of time, bring it along with your ID and anything else your employer may need.
Moving and starting a new job at the same time can be a stressful experience, but with some planning, it can be an exciting one. Give yourself some time to prepare, and reach out to coworkers and your employer for tips on navigating it all if you feel overwhelmed.
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