While it may be convenient to work in your hometown, it may not be where the jobs are in your field. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to move to another state to find work. Here are a few items to consider before choosing to relocate for work.

What Happens If It Doesn’t Work Out?

It isn’t uncommon to start a new job only to realize quickly after that it isn’t a good fit. While you can always quit and look for another position, it may be harder to do so in an area where you have less social support. It may also be harder to move back home after spending so much time and money on your initial move. Therefore, make sure that you really want the position before you take it.

What About Cost of Living?

In certain parts of the country, a $100,000 salary may be plenty to live on. However, in other parts of the country, it may not be enough to provide you with adequate food, shelter or the ability to save for retirement. Doing research into the cost of living where you want to move may help you avoid a costly mistake that may be difficult to overcome.

How Easy Will the Move Be?

Simply moving across the street or across town can be a daunting task in many cases. The challenges may grow exponentially when trying to move to another state. This is because you will need to find movers who will travel a long distance with you. Once you arrive, it may be necessary to update your driver’s license, get new car insurance and take care of a variety of other tasks.

Will the Local Job Market Rebound?

The job market is not a static entity. If there are no jobs in your hometown right now, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be jobs in your hometown a few months or years from now. Depending on your financial situation, it may be a good idea to stay home if you think that jobs will open up closer to home in the near future.

There may be times when working in another state may help both your financial and professional prospects. However, such a move should not be made lightly. Ideally, you will research both the position that you are interested in as well as the area where your prospective employer is located before deciding to make a move.