By Khalilah Starks
I’ve bounced around from state to state for the sake of building my career. I’ve lived in Pennsylvania (Lancaster – Amish Country), Colorado (Denver) and Maryland (Washington DC Metro). Lancaster was definitely the most interesting. Instead of being routinely caught in a traffic jam, it was quite customary to be caught behind a horse & buggy. Right out of graduate school, I was offered positions in Denver, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Raleigh. I’m a native of Chicago, so Chicago would have been ideal. But, the opportunities weren’t there. In the end, I chose Denver because that opportunity offered the most from a developmental and professional standpoint.
For me, moving to Denver was an opportunity worth seizing to advance my career. And, I’ll be honest. Denver wasn’t the most happening place. Unlike Lancaster, where you could escape the land of horses & buggies by driving a 1 ½ to Philadelphia or Baltimore – if you lived in Denver, there was nowhere to go, but Denver. Unless you were into the outdoors – then you could drive to the mountains. But, I’m a city girl. So, the idea of going up to the mountains didn’t provide me with much excitement.
So, was it worth it? Absolutely! I met some of my dearest friends as I built my resume. This was over 10 years ago when the economy was in pretty good shape. So, in today’s economy where opportunities are really scarce, you just may have to consider opportunities outside of your current city or hometown to land your dream job. It doesn’t mean that you can’t come back. Life has a way of making a full circle. In fact, I’m physically right back where I started. But, light years ahead professionally. If it weren’t for my experiences in those less than desirable places, I wouldn’t be able to give the advice that I provide to students and professionals on a daily basis to enhance their own career potential. So, if I had to do it all again, I’d do it all over again.
Sometimes it can be a daunting proposition to think about moving to another city. But, there are so many benefits if you take the plunge. Here are my top reasons for considering employment in a different city.
1. There may be a golden opportunity that will take your career to the next level that just isn’t available in your current city. Employment markets vary by city. Some markets are good and some are not so good.
2. You’ll meet new friends. Your old friends are awesome and will never be replaced. But, it’s a wonderful experience to meet new people. The friends that I met during my journey are like my extended family! I love them!
3. You’ll gain confidence. If you can survive a move to a new city, you can do anything!
4. You’ll gain professional marketability which will place you in a great position to find your dream job in the city of your choice.
5. New scenery can be a breeding place for new, creative ideas. You open yourself up to new experiences. That is truly living!
6. It’s your chance to start over! Sometimes you need a clean break!
7. You may actually love it!
8. You can move back! Who said that it had to be permanent?!
Have you moved away from home to take a new position? Was it worth it? Tell me about your experience!
This is great advice. I’ve relocated 4 times during my 12 year career with no regrets–3 times at the same company and once for an opportunity with a different company. I’ll admit it’s easier to move when your single with no children, ….but no matter what, I say go for it. Many employers look favorably on an employees willingness to move and often is a criteria used to determine an employees ‘potential’ for more senior positions.
Thank you for the great insight Carla! Great point as many employers do look favorably on employees who are willing to relocate!