Career Planning/Wanting to move

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Expert: Christine Fader - 5/31/2010


Question
Hi,
This may be a stupid question, but I would like to relocate to the west. I'm waiting for my ideal job to become available and have been looking for potential places to move to. What I'm having a hard time with is deciding if it's better to move then find my perfect job or wait till I know I have that job, then find a place to move to. I do have potential places to rent, but it's hard because I don't have a job lined up yet to get things in gear. What are your thoughts?

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Not a stupid question!  To me, the answer lies in what's most important to you and how much risk you want to assume.

It's often hard to get perfect location AND job at the same time--at least at first.  Often, you compromise.  So, most likely, you need to think about whether it's more important for you to be out west or more important to have the ideal job.  To some extent, ANY reasonable job in a location you desire might be a good place to start.  You have a good "excuse" for future employers about why you were doing this unrelated job by simply saying, "I wanted to live out west and this (unrelated job) was my first step.  Now, I'm getting back to what I really love doing by applying to your job."  

You might want to consider contract work with temp agencies so that you can easily and quickly exit to a more interesting job, if opportunities arise once you move.  This could be a good happy medium -- some financial security initially without having to make a long-term commitment to a not-so-perfect job in the new location.  

Think about the options:  if you move out west and have a job you hate for a while but at least you're out west...how does that feel?  If you stay where you are in a good job but you're not out west...how does that feel?  Knowing the answers to those questions can help you decide your best next steps and live with the consequences once you make decisions.

Good luck and congratulations on taking steps towards your goals!

Christine

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Christine Fader

Expertise

I have been a career counsellor at a top Canadian university since 1998. I can answer questions about career direction, new graduate and summer employment, resumes, cover letters, personal statements, interviews, and references. I can also answer many questions about applying to graduate school or meds, law or teaching. I can't answer specific questions about what you need to fulfill your degree requirements or some very detailed questions about pre-requisites for particular programs, however, I will give you some ideas about where to find that information.

Experience

As a career counsellor at a top Canadian university since 1998, I have assisted thousands of students (from first-year through to MBA and PhD) clarify their career options and learn how to navigate the transition from school to work or furthr education. I have worked with students in diverse disciplines, from Art History to Philosophy to Chemical Engineering to Biochemistry. I have experience from the recruiting side of the table which informs my advice and I have worked in industries such as education, social services, law, engineering and medicine. I am a qualified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) facilitator, helping people understand the part that their personality preferences may play in their career choices. I am the author of a "chick lit"-style career book for women called, "Career Cupid: Your Guide to Landing and Loving Your Dream Job". More information at www.careercupid.com

Organizations
Canadian Association of Career Educators (CACEE)

Publications
- The Globe & Mail - Workopolis.com - Schoolfinder.com - Womenforhire.com - Career Options magazine - Job Postings magazine

Education/Credentials
- Disability Studies diploma (D.S.W.) - Qualified MBTI facilitator (since 1999)

Awards and Honors
- Steve Cutway Accessibility Award 2009

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