|
Should you move town for a job?
The current job market is the toughest it's been in decades. So, if you can't find the job you're looking for where you are, maybe it's time to think about moving.
By Marie Rocher
History is littered with stories of economic migrants – people moving from one place to another, seeking work and other economic opportunities. According to the Inter-national Organisation for Migration, there are over 200 million economic migrants around the world today, and the number of people living outside their country of birth is set to rise in the future.
But economic migration doesn’t only happen across borders. Today’s job hunters are competing in a national job market, and the need for particular skills and talents prompts internal migration – people moving from one city or town to another within a country’s borders, as they seek to maximise economic opportunities available to them at their skill level.
Tackling the job hunt
A job hunt follows the same method, whether it’s conducted locally, nationally or internationally, says Johannesburg executive coach and career consultant to Radio 702 Careers Hotline, Frances Kazan. ‘Post your CV on all the Internet job portals, look in the newspapers, register with recruitment agencies specialising in your field and approach companies directly, by looking at the careers page on their website and speaking to HR and line managers.’ Prospective employers don’t really mind where you live, says Kazan, they’re focused on whether you can save or make their company money. Meeting either of these criteria will get you an interview invitation, but not being able to attend a face-to-face interview will probably lead to disqualification.
But getting to out-of-town interviews can be costly – shouldn’t a company who’s looking to hire foot the bill? No, says Kazan: ‘Unless you have sizzling hot skills, travelling costs will be for your own account.’
Johannesburg labour attorney Lusanda Raphulu of Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys agrees, but adds that this
is open to negotiation. ‘If a candidate possesses skills or attributes that are in demand, the prospective employer may very well agree to cover travel costs associated with interviewing.’
Splashing out on a trip to attend an interview is risky; but the risk can be minimised. ‘Try to line up a number of interviews on one trip,’ advises Kazan. ‘If you’re dealing with an agency recruitment consultant, insist that they schedule an interview with the client as well. If the consultant isn’t able to do this for you, then don’t take the risk of travelling.’
Interviews can be nerve-racking under any circumstances, but Kazan reminds us that selling results – not skills – is what counts. ‘Think of yourself as a mini profit-and-loss centre; define the many ways your past and present job performance is an asset to your prospective employer. Pointing out the benefits you bring will put you a step ahead of your competitors.’
To stay or to go?
People have different motivations for relocating – more money, a safer environment or a better climate or lifestyle. Before you accept the job, ask yourself these questions:
• Will you be earning more money and getting better benefits?
• Are there more opportunities in your field in your proposed new city?
• How does the cost of living compare to your current town?
• What is the climate and culture like?
• What are the crime statistics for your new area?
• Are there decent healthcare facilities available?
• What social, sporting and leisure activities are on offer?
• Are there good educational institutions there?
• How much will you miss your family and friends?
What should be in your relocation package?
Raphulu says a relocation package from a prospective or current employer is a matter for negotiation; there are no legal obligations on either party to be responsible for relocation costs or the costs of a scouting trip to find accommodation. ‘Your company may have a relocation policy,’ says Raphulu, ‘and in such a case the provisions of the company’s policy would apply. If there is no such policy in place, the relocation arrangements would be negotiated between the employee and the company.’ Such an agreement would include travel and property moving costs for the employee and her immediate family, accommodation while the employee is looking for a permanent residence and, in the case of an overseas posting, annual return flight costs for the employee and their immediate family to visit home. Flights and property moving costs upon termination of the contract should also be included. In some cases, depending on the employer’s policy and the employee’s bargaining position, children’s school fees may also be covered.’ Raphulu advises that this agreement be formalised in the event that the terms of the agreement are ever disputed. And, if you’re being transferred by your current employer, Raphulu
suggests that it be written into your agreement that your company will cover the costs of travel and moving property back to your city or country of origin, in the event of organisational restructuring or retrenchment.
You may feel you’ve landed with your bum in the butter when a company offers you a relocation package but, cautions Raphulu, be aware that your company may require you to pay back the cost of relocation by working for them for a stipulated amount of time – so no jumping ship as soon as you touch down!
Culture shock
Moving is said to rate as one of the most stressful life events Johannesburg psychologist Marie-Jeanne Kruger says any change is stressful, and the more dramatic the change, the greater the challenge to adapt. ‘We’re creatures of habit; we grow used to driving on certain roads and shopping at the same shops. Relocation suddenly puts us outside of our comfort zones. Although a new job and a new home can be exciting, it can also make us feel unsettled.’
Some people, though, seem to take relocation in their stride, embracing the change that a career move brings. A sense of flexibility and optimism can help, says Kruger. ‘Having an upbeat attitude and a sense of humour can make the difference between a good and a bad moving experience.’
If you are in in a committed relationship, you and your partner should discuss career relocation plans in detail and reach a consensus to avoid resentment.
Every town and city has its own culture, and experiencing some culture shock – or emotional discomfort – is normal. ‘When culture shock hits us badly, we can experience homesickness, alienation and anxiety,’ explains Kruger. Social support is crucial.
‘Before I moved, I made contact with a few people I knew on the other side,’ says Marina Pereira, a website development manager who moved from Durban to find a job in London. ‘Talking to someone familiar now and again really did make the difference between sticking it out and running back home with my tail between my legs.’
‘Things will be different in your new town, but it’s important to be open to new experiences and people,’ says Kruger. ‘A change in environment can lead to growth and a richer sense of self. As we’re challenged to adapt to new situations, we discover hidden reserves within us that we may not have been aware of. After six to 12 months, most people find their feet and begin calling their new place home.
10 ways to a smooth transition
- Research your new town before your move (http://www.joburg.org.za/, http://www.mothercityliving.co.za/; http://www.durban.gov.za/).
- Source three quotes from reputable removal companies and compare prices, services and recommendations.
- Compile a check list to manage moving logistics.
- Arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address and inform your household and car insurers of your new details.
- Not looking forward to the long drive to your new city? Get your car delivered while you fly on ahead (http://www.idealcargo.co.za/). Or, put your car on the train while you relax in premier class (http://www.premierclasse.co.za/).
- Travelling with a stressed-out pet isn’t fun. Animals have their own special needs, so hire a professional to help (http://www.animaltravel.co.za/).
- Invest in a GPS to help you navigate your new town (See http://www.garmin.co.za/), a travel guide to your new city and a good map book.
- Help your kids connect with new friends through their special interests and host a party for school chums.
- Play the tourist – take time to wander through your new surroundings, taking in the sights, absorbing the culture.
- Get the details of emergency services in your area before you have an emergency!
Considering moving abroad for work?
International recruiters are only interested in candidates who have in-demand, critical skills or short skills – jobs that the locals don’t want to do, says Kazan. You will need the applicable work permits and visas for the country in which you want to work. A note of caution: international work permits are not usually transferable; they’re often valid only for the company that hires you. Should you wish to change jobs, your new employer will need to organise a new work permit for you.
|
