Whether it be for a promotion, a career change, schooling, or just for fun, moving out of state sounds like an exciting adventure. If you’re looking for a fresh start in life, you may be tempted to pack your bags and head across the country for new experiences and surroundings. It can be tempting – I am tempted as I sit here writing this – but before taking the plunge, you need to weigh the positives with the negatives and make the decision that will be right for you in the long run. Here are some reasons to plant yourself firmly where you are, or to set off for new pastures.
Pros
Career Growth
One of the biggest reasons for moving would be to find a new job in your field or start over entirely with a new career. If you’re from an area that doesn’t have many jobs available in your industry, moving to a bustling metropolitan area or a place that has very specific niche markets might be the best choice for you financially. The best places to find jobs might not be around the corner from where you grew up or went to college, so keep an open mind when applying and seeing what’s available. You also want to decide whether there are a variety of jobs in your industry in a particular area. If you take the perfect job in a new city far from home and you end up hating it, you may have to move right back where you started if there isn’t a lot of opportunity in that city.
Personal Growth
Aside from professional goals, a great reason to move is to grow as a person and get out of that rut you’ve been in. Starting a new life in a fresh new town, especially if you’re making the trek alone, will teach you a lot about yourself and how you handle problems and new situations. Life is short, and getting to see more of the world can teach you new things about yourself. Getting away from your comfort zone may just be exactly what you need to feel refreshed and excited about life.
New Relationships
Of course you’ll always love your family and your best friends, but creating new bonds can help you develop further as a person. You will be exposed to new ideas and people who likely grew up differently than you. You’ll always have your best friend from high school, but you’ll get a better idea of different cultures and beliefs if you expose yourself to new relationships, and maybe even find true love along the way. This also counts for business relationships, and meeting people in your field of work can be vital for you moving forward in your career. Of course, it will also matter where you will go next. In Arizona, Gilbert ranked as one of the best places to live in, and there are apartments for rent in Gilbert that are perfect for professionals.
From The HoliDaze Archives How To: New Relationships in New Locations
Cons
Relocation Costs
Relocating to a new area can be incredibly costly. If you’re moving because of a career, your new job may help you pay for relocation costs — but in more situations than not, it’s money you’ll have to find on your own. Of course it’d be cheaper to stay where you’re at, but the opportunity in a new state may make more sense financially in the long run. Analyze your finances and see if this is something that seems feasible to you.
It is also important look into what your new life might cost in a new location. If you’re coming from a rural area to a big city, you will likely pay more for things like a loaf of bread or a cup of coffee at a cafe. The cost of living can fluctuate around the country, so pay attention to what type of money you might need to make it work here long-term. You should also look at various types of housing and what it might cost to settle here in the future. If you’re looking at apartments in Calgary, look at Calgary houses for sale as well to see what you might upgrade to in the future and what that would cost.
Culture Shock
One of the biggest stressors of moving is the culture shock you might experience in a new area. Whether it be unfamiliar local slang, a new language, unfamiliar customs, or just the general unsettling feeling you get when everything feels out of the ordinary. Yes, this will get you out of your comfort zone, but if you’re easily anxious when faced with a new culture on your own, heading too far from home might be difficult.
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Distance From Loved Ones
More than anything, the worst part of moving is being away from family and friends. With today’s technology, we have the ability to make phone calls, send texts, and video chat in an instant, so our loved ones are never too far away. However, if you’re someone who needs a strong support network around them, heading to a new state might be an extra stress in an already uneasy situation.
For all of these reasons and more, moving to a new state is just another form of traveling, albeit a bit more long-term. Regular travelers will find the relocation easier to adjust to than someone who is making that first big step. That is part of why it is important to weigh the pros and cons of such a move beforehand. Consult with other expats, speak with friends or co-workers who have worked in different states or countries, and don’t forget to talk with other long-term travelers 🙂
