Relocating without a job
Discussion
In a bit of a quandry. We have decided to relocate to be closer to family (currently a four hour drive), and have both been looking for jobs.
She has now been offered a role, and with clearances and notice etc. will be starting in 8 - 10 weeks, which gives me a bit of time to get something myself. My worry is what if I don't?
Would a potential employer look unfavourably towards someone who quit without a job to go to? We really don't want to live apart, but is it a better option to remain here during the week while looking for something - there isn't any real scope to work from home for more than maybe a day a week?
Money wise we can afford to live on one salary for a while, but it puts the fear right up me of remaining a house husband for years to come - although that does have its advantages....
How have other people coped with a joint relocation?
She has now been offered a role, and with clearances and notice etc. will be starting in 8 - 10 weeks, which gives me a bit of time to get something myself. My worry is what if I don't?
Would a potential employer look unfavourably towards someone who quit without a job to go to? We really don't want to live apart, but is it a better option to remain here during the week while looking for something - there isn't any real scope to work from home for more than maybe a day a week?
Money wise we can afford to live on one salary for a while, but it puts the fear right up me of remaining a house husband for years to come - although that does have its advantages....
How have other people coped with a joint relocation?
It might be worth targeting employers in the area you want to work in and then offering them 'free help to gain experience', there are various websites that offer a service to match you with potential employers in return for free labour as it were - it's a good way into a job if you're a good potential employee:
http://www.experience.com/entry-level-jobs/
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
http://www.experienceworks.co.uk/
Just make sure they don't just get you to make tea
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/6968268/Explo...
http://www.experience.com/entry-level-jobs/
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
http://www.experienceworks.co.uk/
Just make sure they don't just get you to make tea
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/6968268/Explo...
A prospective employer might be concerned about an unexplained job gap but in the circumstances you have explained I can't see that it would hinder your future prospects if your relocation created a short gap between leaving your existing employer and finding a new role.
I would however suggest that you weigh the pros & cons of the financial implications of giving up your income, I don't know what field you are in but in any event the job market is pretty tight. Before making your decision I suggest you consider the implications of being without income for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or indeed longer V the more subjective/intangible consequences for your relationship/lifestyle.
Either way, hope all works out OK for you.
I would however suggest that you weigh the pros & cons of the financial implications of giving up your income, I don't know what field you are in but in any event the job market is pretty tight. Before making your decision I suggest you consider the implications of being without income for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or indeed longer V the more subjective/intangible consequences for your relationship/lifestyle.
Either way, hope all works out OK for you.
I did this... my OH landed a job with BAE up in Barrow in Furness, and I moved up here with him.
I foolishly didn't do any research - then spent about a month and a half panicking at the state of the job market, then got my act together, honed my CV/selling-self skills, and landed a job toward the end of the second month.
Do research, have a contingency plan for if you don't find a job within your set time-frame... and plan your finances.
You'll still need a good helping of luck, but unless you're moving to the back of beyond, like I did, there's not really a reason to not do it. If you've got the finances and the planning in place, then there's no real difference to just staying put and looking for a job.
But just double check that your job area market looks healthy in your new location! I lucked out, really, given my complete lack of planning, in that engineering is a strong sector out here.
ETA - forgot to say - in my experience, employer's are people to, and so will understand re-location as an explanation for a gap on the CV, although have strong answers prepared for "Why did you relocate if you didn't have a role to move to?"
Also, good luck!
I foolishly didn't do any research - then spent about a month and a half panicking at the state of the job market, then got my act together, honed my CV/selling-self skills, and landed a job toward the end of the second month.
Do research, have a contingency plan for if you don't find a job within your set time-frame... and plan your finances.
You'll still need a good helping of luck, but unless you're moving to the back of beyond, like I did, there's not really a reason to not do it. If you've got the finances and the planning in place, then there's no real difference to just staying put and looking for a job.
But just double check that your job area market looks healthy in your new location! I lucked out, really, given my complete lack of planning, in that engineering is a strong sector out here.
ETA - forgot to say - in my experience, employer's are people to, and so will understand re-location as an explanation for a gap on the CV, although have strong answers prepared for "Why did you relocate if you didn't have a role to move to?"
Also, good luck!
Thousands of people relocate every year and drag a spouse along for good luck. Many look at it as an opportunity and a breath of fresh air (change is as good as a rest etc).
You should look at it not as a problem, but that you're bringing new skills and experiences to the area for their benefit. Freshen up your CV (outputs based), buy yourself a new suit and some new (black!) shoes, get a decent haircut and hit the market hard, and only let the best company benefit from your ability to make a positive impact. Good luck!
You should look at it not as a problem, but that you're bringing new skills and experiences to the area for their benefit. Freshen up your CV (outputs based), buy yourself a new suit and some new (black!) shoes, get a decent haircut and hit the market hard, and only let the best company benefit from your ability to make a positive impact. Good luck!
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