4 Things You Should Consider Before Moving Out of The City 

Since the global pandemic that kicked off the 2020s, Australians have been taking the concept of work-life balance a lot more seriously. This has manifested itself in various ways, but one notable trend is that of skilled workers migrating out of large cities and into regional Australia. 

Many of these people have continued working for the same employer remotely, while others have taken the plunge of starting their own business. The move to regional areas is seen by many as striking a good balance between a modern career and a more traditional lifestyle, with easy access to nature, affordable houses, and a close community. 

For many, this has undoubtedly been the right move, but it may not suit everyone. The trouble is, it is hard to know beforehand which camp you fall into. Even if moving to a regional location is very appealing to you, there is still the chance that you might get there and find that things don’t work out. 

However, this experience can be avoided, and your move will be much more successful, if you consider the topics in this short guide beforehand. 

Signs that you’re ready to leave 

If you understand the appeal of the regional lifestyle but are unsure whether you really want to break up with your city, there are some subtle signs in your behaviour that you can look out for. 

These include frequently escaping to green spaces and nature and not missing the city while you’re away, as well as feeling stifled rather than excited by the routine and repetition of city life.

Understand your values

Some people dream of living in a quiet village, but they might actually love being amongst the bustle of the city more than they realise. Before making a big move, it’s smart to dig a bit deeper to find out what really matters most to you, by understanding your value system. This way, you can be sure you’re making the right choice. 

Your personal situation

Moving is relatively low risk if you have no partner or family to think about and are new to your field. If you are planning to rent rather than buy, then there is practically nothing stopping you from moving for a short trial period to see if it suits you, then easily reverting back to city life if it doesn’t. 

This, of course, only applies to a small number of people. Everyone else will have to consider the effects on their personal relationships, whether that’s their partner, children, friends, family, or all of the above.

The cost

Even if you stick with your employer and plan to work remotely, not all companies offer relocation packages. They are especially unlikely to do so if you are moving at your own discretion and with no direct benefit to them. It is important to know what expenses you will incur over the moving period. 

Search online for regional movers, and take a look at rental or hotel prices in the area if you will need temporary accommodation. These are two of the largest costs you will face during the moving period, so make sure you include them in your estimate. Don’t forget the money you miss out on if you take any unpaid leave from work while you’re in the process of moving and settling in.

Career growth

Some industries cluster around specific locations, and this means that moving away from them can deprive you of important networking or job-switching opportunities. While unconventional career paths are becoming more common, personal connections still count for a lot in many industries. 

This is important to think about because the role you have now probably is not the role that you want to be doing for the rest of your working life. When considering a big decision like moving, be sure to think about your future and not just how you feel now.

Skilled workers who want to accelerate their career in Australia are no longer as restricted by location as they once were. This has led to many choosing to leave big cities to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life and better work-life balance. 

Hopefully we’ve given you some food for thought, helping you decide whether relocating to a different region is the right next step for your life.