Do I want to relocate?

Relocation can be a big decision for many job seekers.

From the outlook, if you decided that you were willing to relocate for your next job, you would open yourself up to hundreds of opportunities that you previously couldn't have considered. Location is often the determining factor for most of us - a poll as to what was the most important thing when looking for a new job highlighted job satisfaction, career progression and job location near the top, and financial reward suprisingly near the bottom.

No matter how perfect the role or how high the salary, if it is in the 'wrong' location then the role is of no use to you whatsoever.

So what is the 'wrong' location? If the salary were incredibly high (for a role that could  be your next logical career step) or if the role were absolutely perfect for you, then can there be any location that is truly 'wrong'? At the end of the day it all comes down to personal opinion or preference.

Let's look at a topical example:

Here at Focus Management we have in the past taken on vacancies for roles in Saudi Arabia. Some of the perks of a role in this country are:

• Tax-free salary
• Live in a 5* complex
• Chauffeur to drive you about
• Low cost of living

However some of the downsides might be:

• Levels of poverty
• The illegality of showing affection to a loved one in public
• The illegality of alcohol

To some people, the perks would far outweigh the downsides, but for those where they don't, Saudi Arabia would indeed be the 'wrong' location for them.

Choosing whether or not you wish to relocate can be a big decision to make. You may risk moving away from friends or having to move your family away to a new location - your partner may need to change job or have to consider travelling day-to-day, and your children may have to move schools. You may doubt whether the new location offers the same facilities and surroundings that your old one did - is it in the countryside or the city? Are there shops and supermarkets close by? The list could be endless in deciding whether to make the move or not.

One thing is for sure, a decision like this should be well thought through - you should consider all avenues, make a number of trips to the potential new location and make sure that you can almost guarantee you will be happy there.  Do the research!  And really make sure that all the family is OK with the decision before progressing down the interview route.