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"Many of today professionals in the workforce are immobile and missing out on growth opportunities because of geographic biases" I read this quote in a magazine and to an extent, I do actually agree with the sentiment. I mean if its not working for you in your present location, why sit there and "stew" when you can find your opportunity someplace else. Now grant it everybody has a different situation, such as maybe children, family, debt, etc....But if you are single professional in todays workforce, then why not?
Thoughts?
I agree. Many of my (single, no kids) colleagues in grad school have had to wait 6-10 months to find a job in our field in the general Tennessee area. I put out over 100 applications all over the United States and I have a position lined up two months before we graduate. I am married, but luckily my husband has agreed to come with me and job hunt.
I agree and I think it works both ways. Many employers discount candidates because they are "geographically undesirable" and don't want to pay for relocation.
A former neighbor in Chicago is some kind of computer guy. He has moved five times in the past three years just to follow work. He has lived in the cheapest hotels in various places just to have an income and then instead of getting hired, he is has nothing at the end of his contract period. It seems like it's easier for companies to pay for "contract workers" and start over with new ones constantly than to just offer people full-time positions with benefits, including relocation.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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For some people, their location is more important than making a lot of money. I was offered a job by a previous department manager who was leaving to accept a higher position in Los Angeles. If I had gone with him I would have gotten relocation expense and a raise of about 30%. Didn't want to live in L.A. so I passed.
The main point of this thread is that I know several people who unfortunately are unable to land a "GOOD" job in their current city. The sit around and complain about how there are lack of good jobs in the area. Sometimes you have to pick up and go where the jobs are...Yes its a risk. But sometimes with risk comes reward. Right?
I agree, I've moved a lot for work. I never owned a home because I wanted to be mobile. But getting out of an apartment lease can be expensive too and I've taken the hit many times (Even with relocation assistance) and refurnishing an apartment (Even for 6 months) can also be costly and can wear a person down.
I finally work from home and have moved where I want to go... I still find myself checking the employment section and wondering what it would take to move again. I can't fathom breaking another lease and refurnishing again in the near future.
But, for a lot of the jobs I would want, I'd have to. I will probably wait at least a year to consider it again to get my feed under me again.
I'm 37, at some point you do want to settle in some place as moving can be hard on a person mentally and financially.
But I do think more people need to consider it if they are serious about their career.
Not just cities and states...but countries as well. There are certain sectors that are taking off across the globe and people aren't interested. I understand that if you're not really desperate for work, then be picky. But if you're desperate, and you have ventured out of the city, state, or country to see where your skillset can be better utilized, you have no real reason to complain.
I agree and disagree. Like someone stated, employers toss resumes in the trash when they see out of state, in many cases. It's hard to look for something out of the area because of the extra layer of BS with the phone screening; something that local candidates may not have to endure.
Some people may also have to live in certain kinds of places due to family needs or other situations. Someone who is responsible for taking care of parents are limited in where they can live. They can't just pick up and go to the other side of the country and attend to their parents. Someone who is gay or lesbian couldn't just take a job in the middle of Montana or North Dakota because there is a job there, without a proper social support network. There are various reasons people don't move certain places. It's really dependent upon an individual's situation and ability to move.
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