Where Are You Looking to Travel for Your Next IT Assignment?
Sometimes, it can feel like the opportunities in your area are somewhat limited. Some cities are hotbeds for leading employers in their respective fields, making the idea of relocating quite enticing. However, before you pack your bags, it is important to make sure your potential destination will suit your needs. Here are some important points to consider before you travel for your next IT assignment.
Career Value
Moving is expensive, so you don’t want to pack up and go for just any opportunity. Before you apply to positions in other cities, it’s wise to examine whether the new destination has more to offer than just the job being advertised.
Generally, this means researching whether the area can offer you long-term career value. Aside from the job posting you’re considering, will you have opportunities to advance towards your long-term goals? If the answer is yes, it could be smart to relocate. If not, it may be wise to reconsider or seek out other options.
Cost of Living
Everything from average rental or home prices, the cost of food and fuel, and even utilities can vary dramatically from one location to the next. This makes it important to research how much it will cost you to live in the city before you begin searching for jobs.
Why? Because a salary that may seem like a lot (or too little) based on where you currently live might feel different when you’re residing in the city. For example, $50,000 a year in New York City may be challenging to live on. But, you may be perfectly comfortable living on that amount in Kansas City.
By understanding the cost of living, you can assess how much you need to make to support your current or desired lifestyle in your new city. This makes it easier to evaluate opportunities from afar and keeps you from making a big mistake if you accept an offer.
Industry Focus
When people think of relocating, they traditionally consider “mainstream” destinations like New York or Los Angeles. While these cities can offer excellent opportunities, lesser known locations may actually better suit your long-term needs.
For example, Austin, Texas, has had a recent boom in the tech sector. The area is also recognized for its reasonable cost of living and high quality of life. Raleigh, North Carolina; Houston, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; and Nashville, Tennessee also have a lot of potential for some IT professionals.
The point is, don’t limit your search just to classic target cities. Instead, branch out and see if better options might not be available in areas you hadn’t previously considered.
Work With a Top IT Recruiter
If you are interested in finding new opportunities, the professionals at Validity Solutions can help you explore the area. Contact us today and see what may be available to you.
