The idea of relocating for work can be something that you’ve never really considered before. You’re happy where you are, you’re settled, you know the area, and you’ve put down roots. Yet what would happen if you were offered an amazing new job or a promotion in your current one that meant you have to relocate to accept it? What would you do?

Although your initial reaction might be to say no because of everything we’ve mentioned above and the fact that moving across the country is a scary prospect that will probably leave you with all kinds of questions, take some time to think. Would it really be that bad? Could it even be the best thing you ever do? If this is a conundrum you’re currently facing, or you’ve been putting off applying for your dream job because it would involve cross country moving, here are some reasons to think again. It might be exactly what you need to do.

Change Is Good

Of course, ‘change is good’ is a generalization, and some change is definitely bad, but when it comes to relocating for work, listing out all the reasons why this specific change might be a good one to take is the best thing you can do if you’re unsure. You will indeed be moving away from everything familiar to you, but is this a negative?

It might not be. It might be that where you are now is holding you back. Perhaps you’re afraid – even subconsciously – to move ahead in your career because you know it would involve changing locations. Once you embrace the idea that change can be good and that you can become a better person once you acknowledge this, you might have a different opinion on the matter.

Remember, you’re allowed to grieve your old life. You’ll miss it, and you’ll miss the relationships you’ve built there. But if moving is the right thing to do for your happiness, your health, and your career prospects, you need to try it. You can always come back again.

New Friends

When you move across country for work, you’ll either be moving alone or with your immediate family, depending on your current situation. What you won’t be taking with you are your friends. This is not a bad thing altogether thanks to the technology we can all have access to in this modern world. Social media, email, video calling, and the good old telephone can all combine to ensure your friendship lasts even if you move away.

Plus, moving somewhere new allows you to make new friends. This might not have happened if you stayed where you were because you already had friends, and the idea of actively trying to make more probably wouldn’t have occurred to you. Yet friendship is an important part of human life, and you should take any chance to make more friends.

A New Beginning

Moving for your job represents a wonderful new chance for you. You can start again, and this new beginning is full of opportunity. If you’re unhappy with some aspect of your life, relocation will give you the time and space you need to fix those problems.

On top of this, moving is your chance to do those things you kept putting off because you were in your comfort zone and didn’t want to leave it. Moving to a new city or state – perhaps even a country – will take you out of your comfort zone anyway, so why not do all those things now?