The best piece of advice I can offer someone thinking about moving to a new city despite not having a job there is “don’t do that.” Of course, it’s not always that simple. Sometimes moving somewhere new is the best shot you have at finding work in your field. Sometimes you need to move in order to be closer to your loved ones. Sometimes, your government isn't doing its job so the best thing to do for you and your family is just to move away.
Whatever your reason, it’s important to be aware that trying to move anywhere without a steady income stream is difficult. Make it a little easier on yourself with these three helpful tips:
Recalibrate Your Expectations
There’s no two ways about it: moving is expensive. If your financial options are limited, then that means your moving options will be limited as well. Keep that in mind and try to rein in your current expectations, expenses, and demands.
For instance, you may need to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce costs. Likewise, your moving plans might need to get pared down. If you’ve had your heart set on a place in Canada, you may have trouble finding affordable Calgary homes for sale. Try finding a house in a more affordable area, or consider renting an apartment instead.
While it’s never helpful to get pessimistic, it’s simply common sense to prepare for the worst possible scenario, as that could very well be what you run into. If so, you’ll see it coming ahead of time. If not, all the better. That means you have more wiggle room and are actually in better shape than what you planned.
Give Yourself a Financial Edge
What do I mean by “financial edge”? Well, as noted above, moving to a new city is always a price endeavor. If you don’t have a steady source of income, then you need to make the most out of your financial situation.
For starters, that means saving up as much as you can and budgeting meticulously so you can stretch every penny. It might be a while before you find work, and it’s important to be able to pay for food, utilities, and other essentials in the interim. If you’re renting, make an upfront deposit to allay your landlord’s concerns.
Whether you rent or buy, you’ll always want to get your credit score in the best shape possible. Try to pay off all debts in a timely manner and check your credit ranking for common errors, such as duplicate debts or outdated information.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Whether employed or not, the most valuable tool any of us have during times of transition is a good support network. I’m talking about your loved ones, the people who care about you the most. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. That’s what friends and family are for, after all.
One major way your loved ones can help you in this instance is by agreeing to serve as a guarantor or co-signer for housing agreements and other financial concerns. They might also be willing to lend you money or other resources, and may even let you stay with them if you’re struggling to find a place of your own.
When looking for a job, consider reaching out to former classmates, co-workers, or even employers. Keeping in contact with someone within your chosen industry can be a good way to get tips about who is hiring. A previous employer might even have a worksite in your new city and may be willing to hire you on or employ you on a freelance basis.
Whatever you decide, make sure you've thought it through. Don't make any hasty decisions, you might regret it in the end.
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