Finding work in other parts of the country

inglorius

Was just looking for some advice please, I was made redundant earlier this year, managed to find an interim job for 4 months and with nothing else on the horizon after the contract finished took a much lower paid and much lower responsibility job while I tried and regroup - have taken an almost 30% cut in pay.

The issue I'm having now is that when I first got wind of my pending redundancy a year ago over this period I have applied and been rejected by a host of employers in my region so feel now I am running out of options searching for work in my vicinity. I've widened my search horizons to looking for jobs 40-50 miles away but think this is still limiting my work opportunities and am now seriously considering searching for a job outside of a commutable distance.

Where I'm looking for advice is that I don't know even how feasible this will be, the cost and logistics of living in digs during the week, or even renting a house when I have my own property, explaining to potential employers when I apply for jobs, am not even sure whether I will even be financially better off short term if I'm having to rent a flat, any help or advice from people whom have experienced similar circumstances would be gratefully appreciated.

Voyager2002

Key information: do you have a family who might consider moving with you; do you currently own or rent; if you rent, what kind of contract and how long is left on it?

I have moved fairly often, around the UK and around the world. I don't think that there are any issues about explanations to employers: when a position is announced they make it very clear where the work is based and assume that anyone applying will make arrangements to get there on time. Some employers offer a relocation package, and that is always something you can ask about.

inglorius

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Key information: do you have a family who might consider moving with you; do you currently own or rent; if you rent, what kind of contract and how long is left on it?

I have moved fairly often, around the UK and around the world. I don't think that there are any issues about explanations to employers: when a position is announced they make it very clear where the work is based and assume that anyone applying will make arrangements to get there on time. Some employers offer a relocation package, and that is always something you can ask about.

Thanks for the reply I don't have any dependants so am flexible where I can go and I currently own my own house. The issue I had is the cost of living in digs or renting could be prohibitive if the company didn't offer relocation fees if I'm effectively paying two mortgages and would cancel out any benefits I would make from a higher paid job?

Voyager2002

inglorius wrote: »

Thanks for the reply I don't have any dependants so am flexible where I can go and I currently own my own house. The issue I had is the cost of living in digs or renting could be prohibitive if the company didn't offer relocation fees if I'm effectively paying two mortgages and would cancel out any benefits I would make from a higher paid job?

Well, depending on the T & Cs of your mortgage your options could include selling your present place and buying near your new work (most mortgages are portable without penalty); letting your present place and renting a home; living in digs and renting just one room in your present place while keeping it as your base for most weekends... I have done most of these but would warn against over-thinking: I tend to hope that if the new job and salary are right, the other bits will fall in to place.

Doshwaster

I would say that if you are going to relocate for a job then you do it properly and make your new home there. Stopping in a rented room during the week and then returning "home" for the weekend is going to be expensive, it's unlikely that your employer will help you out and it's going to make it harder to settle in your new job.

I'd look at renting out your current home on an initial 6-12 month contract and renting a house/flat near the new workplace. Don't rush into buying just in case the new job doesn't work out and it will give you the chance to get to know the area. Starting a new job in a new part of the country is stressful enough without having to buy a new house at the same time. If all works out, you like the job and the area then you can look to buy after a year or so.

Given the current jobs market relocation, both internally and internationally, is very common and any good employer should be supportive but financial packages can vary from nothing to all-expenses paid so it's important to find this out early in the process.