Making a career move involves numerous decisions, including possible relocation. Does the thought of relocating stimulate pleasant thoughts-or generate nightmarish dread? If accepting a new position necessitates relocating, there are ways to make it less burdensome and even enjoyable as a family project. Here are some suggestions.
Plan ahead
It takes time to wind down a practice involvement and get re-situated in a new practice setting. Three to six months is a standard time frame for completing the transition. More time is allowed, of course, when children need to complete their school year before the family can make the move.
Just as soon as you accept an offer, it's smart to put the wheels of relocation in motion. Advance planning allows ample opportunity to select the best housing options, moving van line, and other services that are critically important for a successful move.
As a practical suggestion, make a relocation calendar's with specific goals to reach month one, month two, etc. Included among such crucial tasks is applying for state licensing, if necessary. Keep in mind, the timeline for processing applications varies widely from state to state, and you certainly don't want to miss critical deadlines.
Work closely with your new employer
To some extent, the size of the hospital or medical organization will determine how much help they can provide in terms of relocation assistance-monetary and otherwise. Larger hospitals have physician relations specialists who provide concentrated effort in helping doctors relocate. Smaller facilities delegate this task to someone within the Personnel Department who can provide some assistance in relocation matters.
Feel free to use to the fullest whatever relocation service the employer offers. Their job is to make you and your family as comfortable as possible in moving into their community. So don't think any relocation matter is insignificant. The easier it is to make the transition, the more pleasant it will be starting the new job.
A valuable service offered by some hospitals is spousal employment referral. This can be as informal as putting the newly hired doctor's spouse in touch with individuals in the community who are knowledgeable of the employment scene. Or it can be as specific as arranging for the spouse to meet with corporate recruiters who would likely have an interest in the spouse's background--especially if he or she is a highly educated professional, such as engineer, attorney, etc.
The more quickly the spouse finds suitable employment, the better for all concerned. That will be one less headache associated with making a major relocation move.
Make the most of site visits
Standard hospital interviewing procedures allow for one or more house hunting visits after a contract is signed--or at least after serious compensation negotiation has begun.
To make such visits most beneficial, inform the hospital representative of all your questions and concerns about the community related to housing, education and quality of life issues. Acting on such information, that person can arrange a tailor-made tour that addresses matters such as schooling for the children, family recreation options, and so on.
House hunting is one of the biggest concerns in relocating. Establishing a residence with a minimum of hassles definitely makes the move more pleasant.
In particular, time spent with a realtor is most productive when he or she has specific properties to show, rather than simply point out attractive housing developments in general. If you aren't getting adequate service from a given realtor, request recommendation from the hospital for someone else who can better meet your needs.
As an alternate source of valuable information, you might want to scan some Web sites geared toward home purchasing. Suggestions:
To increase your comfort level concerning moving into the area, it may be appropriate to speak with other community representatives during your site visit. Don't be bashful about requesting a meeting with anyone who can answer questions that are important for you and your family:
- School superintendent or principal
- A local member of your religious faith
- Head of a homeowner's association.
Their perspective on living in the community is particularly helpful in terms of the psychological adjustment involved in moving the family away from where their roots are currently planted.
Other practical advice
A little forethought in other respects can
