Chasing an Out-of-State Position: Should you Do it?

Until now, you’ve been limiting your job search to the local area. After all, this is where your spouse works, where your friends live, where your children go to school, and maybe you even have extended family nearby. You want the right job, you aren’t interested in settling, and at this point, the perfect job means (among other things) a job in this area. But so far, your efforts have not yielded much. When is it time to expand your search to the national level? If you happen to see a job that’s perfect in every way except for the location, should you apply? Consider these three factors before you make your decision.

First, ask yourself: Will pursuit inevitably lead to heartbreak? If so, be reasonable. Walk away before you become too invested. If you know for a fact that your spouse can’t or won’t move with you, don’t put an unnecessary strain on your marriage. If you know you don’t want to live in Florida, don’t chase a job in Florida. Getting the job won’t make you love Florida any more than you already do. Job seekers often find themselves letting desperation dictate their decisions, even when they know, deep down, that the cost will eventually be too high for them to bear. Protect yourself, and don’t make decisions you know you will later regret.

Second, are you open to adventure? Just as you shouldn’t let desperation force your hand, don’t let routine, momentum, or fear of the unknown hold you back from an opportunity that shows promise. If you don’t like Florida, don’t chase a job in Florida. But if you don’t know anything about Florida, stay open minded. Don’t dismiss the opportunity outright until you’ve at least discussed it with your spouse and/or envisioned yourself moving.

Third, do the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks? Does the compensation amount to three times your latest salary? Is the position extremely rare? Does it represent the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for you? If so, apply. You can agonize later when you have the offer in hand.