You’ve been searching for work in sports in your area, but there are not a lot of opportunities that really fit you. You realize that the best sports jobs are elsewhere.
Bigger cities like Boston, New York, and Denver are home to some of the best sports employers. But before you start applying and commit to relocating, you want to be sure you’re ready financially and emotionally for this big change.
Let’s take a look at some important factors to consider before you relocate to work in sports:
Cost of Living
There are many different aspects to consider when you’re looking at how much your lifestyle will cost in a new area. For example, you have to research how much you can expect to spend on shelter, energy, clothing, health care, entertainment, food, and transportation.
Obviously, costs vary in every region of the country, and they depend on urban and suburban residential areas. You don’t want to bury yourself in debt to pay for moving costs just to relocate to a new city you can’t afford.
Here are a few online tools to help you calculate your potential cost of living in new areas:
- Expatistan – This tool helps you compare the cost of living where you currently reside to the cost of living of where you want to move to.
- BankRate – This is a similar tool, but it also provides you with the equivalent income needed to maintain your current standard of living.
- Neighborhood Scout – This tool is especially useful in helping you find a neighborhood that’s right for you. The neighborhood profiles show you real estate that specifically fits your criteria.
Relocation Benefits
Some employers offer relocation benefits to help you manage the stresses and financial burden of setting up your life in a new area. These are some common benefits:
- Temporary housing – They provide furnished housing while you wait to officially move into your new home.
- Lease break coverage – If you’re renting, the company pays for any penalty charges you may incur for breaking your contract.
- Temporary storage – You can store your household goods while you search for a new home, and your employer will cover the costs.
- Full pack – They pay for a service to pack all your goods and transport them.
- Home buying services – Fees, closing costs, and other payments associated with buying a new home are covered.
- Cash stipends – This is a sum of money upfront to cover any expenses you may incur during your move.
If these benefits aren’t apparent when you apply, it never hurts to negotiate. During the interview, when they offer to answer any questions you have, inquire about relocation packages.
Highlight how the company will benefit if they help you address relocation. For example, discuss how you can be more productive with your relocation needs met upfront. This way, you focus more on your work performance and their bottom line without the added stress of finding a new home, managing your finances, and unpacking your belongings under uncertain conditions.
Request that they include the relocation benefits you agreed upon in the compensation plan. A signed letter describing these benefits ensures everyone is on the same page.
Your Entire Day
A new town means new routines. Look beyond the hours you’re in the office, as well. If you’re moving to a big city, think about your commute.
What time do you need to leave? Will you be using public transportation? What are traffic patterns like when you’re going to the office or heading home?
You don’t want to agree to a workday that is going to be a burden on your well-being. If your eight-hour workday is really 12 hours because of a tough commute, you might want to look for work in sports elsewhere or find a different area to live for that job.
Don’t forget about the weather conditions. If you’re not accustomed to driving in snow, you need to know how to prepare for a lifestyle adjustment like this. Research what weather you can expect throughout the year.
The Lifestyle Fit
Committing to a new town without visiting it can be risky. If you find work in sports in Miami and then realize that you hate humidity and miss snowy mountains, you will feel miserable. Similar to how you want to work for a company that aligns with your values, you should move to a new area that fits the lifestyle you enjoy.
Book a few trips to cities you think you might want to work and take in the culture. Explore the surrounding areas to learn about activities, schools, daycare centers, events, and other important aspects of a community that you need in your life.
Bottom line: where you live impacts your mental and physical well-being. You deserve to be happy when you relocate.
The Company
It would be devastating if you moved your family across the country only to realize that you don’t truly fit the company that hired you. To make your career move easier, start by finding your ideal employers.
This involves a lot of research on the company, including its financial health, reliability, growth opportunities, and culture.
Not interested in stuffy corporate offices? Don’t pursue work at these kinds of employers. Want a fair level of job security when you relocate? Don’t apply to startups or companies with a history of bankruptcies.
Do your research and consider every detail. Then, you’ll feel that excitement in your gut, which is saying one thing — you’re ready!
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What is your process for finding work in sports? Share in the comments below!
