Relocating to a new job can be one of the biggest stressors you will face. It is an immense change, and there is a lot to do and get used to. So, if you find yourself in this position, here are a few tips to make the transition a little easier.
1. Use a mover.
Save yourself the hassle of packing everything up, renting a truck, driving it possibly hundreds of miles, and then unpacking everything. It’s just not worth it, especially when you have all the stress of beginning a new job in a new place. Plus, movers have all the equipment needed to properly wrap and protect your valuables.
But do your research. There are disreputable companies out there who may rip you off if you’re not informed.
2. Let everyone know you are new to the area.
Talk to the people you meet – the person serving you coffee at Starbucks, the cashier at the grocery store or department store, the librarian – and let them know you are a newcomer. Ask them to recommend places you can go to buy things, for services, or for entertainment.
3. Try to meet new people
Naturally, you will meet people at work. But you can meet people outside of work as well if you make the effort. You can do this by volunteering or joining any number of groups or organizations. If for example, you enjoy the theater, see if you can join an amateur theater group.
4. Take care of the paperwork as soon as you can.
If you are moving to a new state, you will have to take care of things like getting a new driver’s license and registration, and taking care of things like change of address. Do these things as soon as possible and get them out of the way. If you put them off, you may find yourself in the uncomfortable position of having to explain to the police why you don’t have the proper driver’s license.
5. Finally, realize you will have a period of homesickness and melancholy.
Relocating is a big change, full of stress. You are leaving all that is familiar and friendly for what is unknown. With the move will come anxiety and maybe some sadness. You should expect to feel these emotions – you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t. Give yourself time to work through them.
The best way to deal with these emotions is to stay busy. Throw yourself into your work, and find things to do during your personal time. Make sure to eat right and get plenty of exercise.
If you are looking for temporary, temporary-to-hire or direct-hire work in the Anchorage area, send a message to the Opti Staffing Group, one of the best in Alaska. We would love to discuss how we can help you find the right job.