Relocating for Work: A Guide for Senior Professionals

Relocating for a new job is an exciting experience, but it can also be a daunting one, even for leaders and experienced professionals. According to ME Relocation, approximately 20% of employees have relocated for work in the past year, a significant increase from previous years. Relocating allows you to explore new opportunities and embrace new cultures, but it’s crucial to make sure you’re fully prepared for the move physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Evaluating the Career Opportunity Before Relocating 

Understanding the Financial Costs of Relocating for Work 

Another important consideration you need to make is the financial aspect of your move. The cost of living can vary significantly between different locations, so reviewing your salary package is essential to determine whether it reflects the general living costs of the new area. You also need to calculate your moving costs, including the price of transporting your belongings and temporary accommodation if necessary. A financial adviser can provide peace of mind during the transition and make sure your focus remains on settling into your new role and location, not on financial concerns. 

Employers have become increasingly understanding that relocation is a significant life event, and many are open to covering costs or even providing a relocation bonus. According to data from Allied, moving expenses were covered for 33% of people who relocated for work, and 18% received financial support for their partner to look for work in the new location. An experienced recruitment consultant can play a key role in helping you secure a competitive relocation package. 

Managing Personal and Family Adjustments When Relocating 

Relocating can be emotional, and leaving behind friends, family, and a familiar environment can be difficult. In a study by Impact Group, 56% of individuals admitted to experiencing emotional or personal challenges lasting 3 months or longer after relocating for work. This shouldn’t deter you from taking the step though; even with all the excitement of a new beginning, it’s normal to feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It’s important to give yourself time to adjust to your new location and know that the move can have a positive impact on all elements of your life, as well as career advancement. 

Shari Hulitt, Business Manager at CSG Talent, found her new role at our Tampa office shortly after moving across the U.S: 

“I had a long-distance partner who lived here, and we moved in together. I had been working remotely for nearly 15 years and was downsized shortly after my move, so the opportunity with CSG came shortly after such a significant change in my personal life. It happened to be exactly the change I was looking for in my career. The hardest part for me was leaving behind my family and friends. Despite having a boyfriend, I still experience homesickness. I love Tampa though; it’s wonderful waking up to blue skies and palm trees every day!” 

If you have a partner or children, their needs and preferences also need to be a key consideration in your decision-making process. For families, factors like the quality of local schools, the safety of the area, and access to healthcare are particularly important. Bear in mind that your partner may also need to find a new job and adjust to life in a new location. Communication is vital in this process, so you should openly discuss the benefits and challenges of relocating with your family. 

Tasha Plumb, Senior Marketing Executive at CSG Talent, recently relocated from Leeds to London, transitioning into a fully remote role with us. 

“There are a lot of stressful aspects to relocating, particularly when you’re moving to a new location. But I think it’s important to capture the excitement of the move and try not to focus on the stress. I moved with my partner, and we saw it as a team move where we could support each other and make exciting plans together.” 

How to Settle into a New Location After Relocating 

Settling into a new location can feel like a great adventure, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Every location has its own culture and features, so it’s important to consider whether the lifestyle is suitable for you and your family. 

If possible, visit the location before committing to the move. Spending time exploring the area and looking at housing options will help you imagine what daily life might look like, which is crucial for decision-making. Networking is especially important when relocating, so finding local groups or social clubs can also help you feel at home more quickly. 

You also need to think about your commute, as a study from the National Library of Medicine found a direct correlation between the amount of time spent commuting and the likelihood of burnout. Explore potential routes from where you are looking to live to your workplace to ensure the commute is manageable. 

Tasha identified the value in visiting the area she was moving to prior to her relocation: “We travelled to London to view properties and explore the local area, which helped settle our nerves. It was really important to make sure that we were moving to an area that suited our lifestyle, so we looked beyond the house and office location to consider the things we enjoy and found amenities that met our needs.” 

How CSG Talent Supports Job Relocation for Candidates 

At CSG Talent, we understand that relocating for work is an exciting yet challenging experience for candidates. Our executive search specialists provide tailored support to make the move as stress-free as possible. We offer expert insights into regional job markets and cultural differences to help with the logistics of the move and help address any concerns candidates may have during the process. 

Sam Aubry, Principal Consultant at CSG Talent, understands the importance of supporting candidates through the relocation process: 

“At CSG Talent, we go the extra mile to support candidates relocating for international roles. I’ve personally assisted with everything from arranging the shipping of furniture and personal items from the Bahamas to Singapore, to connecting candidates with international schools and estate agents for accommodation. We also handle the paperwork side of things, including liaising with embassies to secure visas. Some of the more unique challenges I’ve tackled include organising road transport for a 75-foot sailboat across the U.S. and arranging flights and passports for a cocker spaniel traveling from Southampton to Rio de Janeiro. It’s all part of our commitment to making the relocation process as smooth as possible for candidates.” 

How CSG Talent Supports Employees with Job Relocation 

We take pride in supporting the relocation of our employees to offices across the globe, including Tampa, multiple locations in Australia, and our Dubai office, as well as facilitating moves between our Leeds and Manchester offices in the UK. With our people-first approach, not only do our employees have the opportunity to travel internationally to meet clients and candidates, but also to relocate to another global office temporarily or permanently. Additionally, all our consultants’ incomes are representative of the salary levels in the country they are operating in. 

Tasha appreciates how understanding everyone at CSG Talent were about her move:  

“The main thing that helped the process was open and honest communication from the very beginning. For a long time, I knew the move was a possibility, and CSG were really good at checking in and asking if there were any updates. I was open with them throughout regarding timeframes, and I think that contributed to a smooth transition. It means a lot to me that, even though I moved on my own accord, they still see me as a part of the business in the future, and I am still included in discussions.” 

Find Your Next Opportunity with CSG Talent 

If you’re looking for a new role, either in your current location or somewhere new, contact CSG Talent to speak to one of our expert executive search specialists. 

Visit our Candidate Services page to find out more about how we provide tailored support to senior level professionals looking to advance their career.