Photo thanks to Mark Moz via Flickr.
Relocating for the Family
Cortney Ikpe
When taking a new job as a physician, there are a lot of things to consider in regards to relocating. If you are still single, the only thing to worry about may be having a yard for your dog to play in – but when there is an existing family or plans for one in the future, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Cost of Living
It’s always important to be sure that you are well versed on the cost of living in a new location. Sure, the job offer may be several thousand higher than your current salary, but that is a drop in the bucket when your living costs skyrocket. CNN has a great tool for checking the cost of living between two different places, so if you are not sure of it yet, you can check here.
Education System
When you have kids already or plans for some in the future, it is imperative to be conscious of their future too. Check into the education system for your new location of interest and be positive that there are private schools you would prefer in the area or that the public school system is producing results at a standard you are happy with. This may also play a factor in the area of the city you choose to live in and affect the cost of living slightly.
Shopping Districts and Entertainment
No matter where you choose to live, it’s good to think about what kind of opportunities the location offers for entertainment and shopping. This is usually more important to the trailing spouses and children involved rather than for the doctor; but doing your research in this area can help sell the family on the transition.
Cost Of Travel
Something many people forget in the exciting process of planning to relocate is the unexpected cost of traveling back home or for relatives to visit you. If you are part of a tight knit family and plan to travel back home to visit your parents, or fly your siblings and parents out to your new location – the cost of travel may effect your decision to move. Be sure that you are well versed on the expenses involved with staying close to your family despite your location and factor that into your decision making process when relocating.
In any case, the most important thing to think about when relocating is making sure that it is a good decision for you, your spouse, and your family. If everything checks out right and all of the additional costs are still in line with the projected income of your contract, then it could be the best option for you.