Worth moving to a different state for a better job?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi,

I'm currently single and I've been offered a better paid position in a different state, but really not sure if I should take the offer up.

I've got a few ties to West Virginia, but the offer of Florida sounds really tempting. What do you girls and guys think?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I have done that several times in my career -- moved from one state to another for career advancement, for a job that suited me better, and to attend various schools. It can be a good thing for your career path, but it can be emotionally challenging and interfer with any hopes you may have for establishing a "home" and a feeling of belonging in a community. So, I'd say it was a highly personal choice that would vary for each individual. I wouldn't recommend it for the money alone ... but if you think it would improve your quality of life, then it might be worth the sacrifices.

Moving to a strange city where you don't know people, don't have a network of support, etc. is often difficult. You have to build a personal life from scratch -- make friends who will give you a ride if your car breaks down, who will pick you up from having been medicated for a medica/dental procedure, etc. You have to find new doctors, dentists, car repair place, etc. You have to find people to eat dinner with, go to a movie with, etc. This is not always easy and you have to be prepared to spend a lot of time alone for quite a while.

You also need to be prepared to spend you "vacation time" to visit your family rather than going on "fun" vacations. If you want to go "home for the holidays," you'll need to make those arrangements, pay for the trip, and use what might be valuable vacation days. I went through a 15 year period of my life in which I only saw my family twice per year -- a week over Christmas and a week in the summer. That used 2 weeks of vacation time per year and cost lots of money for plane tickets. You need to factor that in -- though if you move to Florida, they might come see you ocassionally, too.

I've lived as a single woman in several different states. In some communities, it was easy to make friends and build a social life. In other communities, it was not. My co-workers spent their time away from work with their husbands/children and weren't interested in socializing.

Do your best to assess yourself, your personal needs, and the community as you make the decision. I hope I have given you a few things to think about.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I've always enjoyed moving to different places but understand that it isn't for everyone. What I recommend even if someone is just switching jobs across town is to do a share day or two on the unit. To me that is very telling and has served me well so far. It might cost a few dollars but I'd fly down and check things out first hand. Best of luck and please keep us posted with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, PACU, PREOP, Ambulatory Sur.

I did move frequently as well and have lived in 4 different states aside from my home state of NY. One thing to remember if you decide to do that is to put away money for retirement. You do not plan for that when young, but now I am a nurse of 25 years and have enjoyed a career doing everything in nursing that I wanted. The downside is watching all my friends retiring because they stayed either in one place or planned for retirement adequately. Double edged sword I guess! Best of luck in whatever you decide!!!!

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Specializes in CVICU.

I would also consider: Cost of living and if this is a place that you could thrive not merely reside. Think about the things you do in your spare time, commuting, and the availability of other jobs in the area. Have an emergency fund!!!!! Trying out different states has helped me realize who I am as a person and the type of community that I want to live in permanently. Good Luck!!!!:p

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Specializes in Tele, ED/Pediatrics, CCU/MICU.

I am right there in the same boat with ya!

I began applying to out of state positions mostly out of frustration at making NO progress in my home area.... turns out, being from someplace different can be to your advantage.

The other reason I began to check out other locations is because do think that' it will help me grow as a person, make some great new friends, and have the "the world is my oyster" experience. Knowing that I already spend a fair amount of time alone (due to schedule, etc) I think I'll be ok.... but the chance to explore and find yourself.... priceless!!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I am glad I did it. I learned to become more independent and self-confident.

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

I've been all over from Oregon to Georgia!, I loved it and hope to move again soon back out west...I miss it. Moving is not for everyone, if you are outgoing enough to make friends outside of work then it might be for you. Don't depend on your "hospital friends" to make your life. I've always found some sort of hobby or activity to make new friends, skiing, sailing, horses and now dogs etc. Make sure you can live cheaply for at least a year, don't let your posessions own you!

I've enjoyed every move, but now I'm stuck in a state I've come to hate for a lot of reasons, but due to the real estate in this area I can't sell out yet.

Good luck and enjoy!!!!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

If I were young and single I would move to another state to get the job I want. I love to travel; its broadens your horizons. You meet people who look and think differently, experience new climates, learn how to be independent. Consider it a cultural education. And you know, if you don't like it after a year, well, I-75 runs NORTH as well as south.:cool: Good luck in Florida. I could use some warm right about now

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

Do it. You only live once and home is where you make it. I will be traveling starting in November but I don't care if I meet anyone, kind of a loner anyway. I am saving to retire on my own but would like to travel while I'm young an able to do adventure sports like snowboard and rafting an mtn biking and....... anyways, when your 60 and retired that gets harder, heck its harder at 33 than it was at 25.

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In my life before nursing, I moved several times for jobs. Like anything else, there are pros and cons, and picking the cons that bother you least is the key.

A couple other thoughts:

If you make more money by moving, that differential usually follows you down the road.

If you expect to make frequent trips back "home" understand that over time those trips may seem more of a chore, and the number of them will then decrease. How would your family/friends take to that, and how important is that to you?

Most of the time, I've been lucky enough to move to places I liked, Rocky Mountains and PNW. Lots to do outdoors in those places and that suits me. I would be miserable in a southern state, since I don't like hot, humid weather.

List what you would find good and bad about the area you're moving to, and then make as good a choice as incomplete information allows.

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