Relocation Thread

[FIFARay007]

So I'm talking to my boss today who asks me how I'd feel about moving to Colorado. This is in order to be closer to him for the first phases of this project we're working on, to make sure it gets off on the right foot.

If I don't go, I'm not sure whether I'll still have the job past July or August. On the other hand, if this project works out, this could seriously be the next big thing in ERP systems. I would hate to be reading a magazine a few years from now and hear about how this company really took off.

The problem is I'm apprehensive about the whole thing for a few reasons. The condo (course I don't want to stay here either), my girlfriend (who they said would be relocated out there with me), and my friends and family, are all reasons why I'd want to stay. I don't have a big family, and while I have a bunch of friends, only a few are very close, and they all live out here. I've always been very close to all of them, and being more than halfway across the country is a big move.

Of course there's tons of things to worry about and consider, but I want to make sure I am taking all of them into account. Have any of you guys relocated for a job or have any advice for me?

[Vermont Red]

A few things to consider.

Are you moving someplace where there would be other jobs if you ever leave this one or if it doesn't work out. You don't want to be in a situation in which you move someplace where you can't leave because there is nowhere else to work.

If the girlfriend relocates you're pretty much locked in to getting engaged and then married. I'm not sure if this is an issue or not.

In general, I think its good to live somewhere other than where you grew up, at least for a while. I lived in Atlanta for a number of years and it gave me a lot of perspective about what was important to me.

In Colorado you'd have to get up even earlier for those noon United matches.

[Sapphire]

I would think specifically about the city/area you would be moving to. Research it and find out what kind of place is it -- having lived in both giant cities and smaller (read: podunk) towns, I can tell you that the size and character of a city can make a huge difference in your experience there. I will personally never settle long term in a small town ever again (but some people love it.)

Also, think about any monetary issues at play in your new versus old location -- cost of living, will you use a car more or less, etc. In other words, how will relocating financially impact you.

I really agree with VR regarding moving away from home base, at least for a little while. Even if you're the kind who has a small circle of close friends, you will make new friends and you will stay close with your old ones and family if you make time to go visit. Also agree with VR that your move will probably in one way or another precipitate a major change with the girlfriend -- either a breakup or the road to engagement.

Finally, I'm not sure what kind of company you're with, but I would think about how stable they are. It seems like you'd be moving immediately, which seems a little strange to me (but bear in mind that I know NOTHING about the corporate world). Have you been at the company for a long time, do you trust them, etc.

Wish I could be more help. Good luck.

[FIFARay007]

Thanks for the input guys, all are valid points.

Well first off, as far as the girlfriend goes, yea, I think I'm headed down the road of commitment anyway, so the move just cements it more. Now she can't leave me. :)

And as far as living away, yep, that's always something I wanted to do, of course I always wanted it to be Europe instead. Denver is a wonderful place, and the cost of living is less, but my salary will be adjusted down slightly, but not as much as the cost of living index states. I've checked out some home prices out there and, put simply, they effin rock! I'll easily be buying a house.

Job security comes into play a little bit, but also not so much. Basically my boss has already told me he wouldn't hose me, and does view this as a long term deal. I know he means it as we've been friends even before I started working for him, and he also wouldn't make me move if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

And altho it's silly, soccer is one main reason why I wouldn't want to go. First, I like the team I play on now, so I'd have to find another league to play in. Next, as VR stated, all United games will require me to get up even earlier. Also, going to Red Bull games would be slightly inconvenient. I know it's a tad crazy, but I really love soccer and it's a big thing for me not to play with my team or watch Red Bull games anymore.

Anyway, there'll be a lot of thinking done this weekend and I'm sure tons of questions.


*** btw, I am going to buy some lottery tickets today, so maybe I won't even have to worry about this! Wish me luck! :D

[Sapphire]

By when do you have to have a decision?

[FIFARay007]

By when do you have to have a decision?

He'd like to know in the next few days which way I'm leaning, but I know before I make a definite decision, I'm gonna have a few questions for him. The biggest one is that I have this condo. I don't mind selling it, but for me to get my money back, I need to fix the floors, which I can't do til I hear back from the condo association. Also, I'd rather not sell it until the end of August for tax reasons.

[Sapphire]

Ya, that's kind of a mess, isn't it. Good luck with your decision. :)

[Achtung]

Well, as someone who moved around a lot as a kid, I'll tell you that its definitely a tough decision. You must feel pretty good about your job to consider moving that far away for it, which is a good thing. You'll probably end up keeping contact with a few friends, losing contact with others, but hopefully meeting new people out there. In the end, its a good opportunity, and you're still young and specifically without kids, so that makes it a bit easier to go. Hopefully your girlfriend will be able to find a good job in the area as well.

Plus, if you did change your mind and decide to go back to CT, its not as though there aren't many job opportunities in the New York area.

If you do decide to move to Colorado, I'm sure you'll enjoy it there. I was born in Denver, though its been a few years since I went back. Definitely a different vibe compared to the huge cities, but its hardly the boonies either.

Overall I think its good to get away from your comfort zone a little and into a new area. It's funny, because I've been out to Portland, OR a few times this year for some work, and almost all the people out there relocated from Chicago, New York, etc. and they all love it there.

[johno]

What a coincidence.

I'll offer some advice first...

1. Think about your role after relocation.
Will you be happy to do those duties long term?
Who will you be working under if you move, could they make life hell?

2. Remuneration.
This can be a mitigating factor, allowing you to put up with bullshit.
If the pay will allow you to live comfortably that can relieve a lot of other stressors in life.


Ok... now big coinkydinky.

I'm a few days away from a major decision myself.

I've been offered a post with the Caribbean Media Corporation. It will mean having to relocate to Barbados and I'm giving it serious thought.

I've got loads of cons and pros.

Pro

to work with the caribbean's best sports journalists

Having way more resources available than ever

Getting a chance to do live commentary (because they buy rights)


Cons

Me nah know nobody in Barbados

I wouldn't be presenting the sports news 3-5 days a week.

I won't have my own show anymore.

Perhaps the biggest con? I moved to here because a friend of mine is the MD and I know he'll be pissed/sad to see me leave.




I'm seriously considering the move and should make the decision within 2 weeks.

[Sapphire]

Whoa, big opportunity Johno. I don't know if I could take losing my own show (if I had one) -- but then, it's a step up to a better organization, so who knows where it might lead.