Now that you know where you want to live, you can concentrate on lining up a new source of income—in case you haven’t already. If you’re relocating to enjoy retirement and won’t be depending on a job for income anymore, congrats! If not, we got you covered. 

For a smooth and successful relocation, it’s smart to secure a new job before you move. After all, finding a job now sets you up with cash flow in your new city so you don’t have to scramble for work when your savings runs out.

Okay, before you start your new job search, promise yourself not to take “whatever job you can find” when you relocate. Nothing will sour a good relocation like being stuck in a job you hate for six months while you search for a better fit. Yes, you’ll have to spend some extra time soul-searching. But you matter too much and spend too many hours working to not put time and care into finding a job you can enjoy. Plus, imagine how much happier and healthier you’ll be if you find work you actually love.

If you want to know how to find your dream job, you need to start by discovering where your greatest talent and greatest passion intersect. Once you know that, finding a job is all about getting around the right people and being in the right places to bring that talent and passion together. To help find a career you love, pick up a copy of The Proximity Principle by bestselling author and career expert Ken Coleman.

Alright, once you know what kind of job you want, how do you actually find it? Well, you can research companies in your new area and check if ones that interest you have job opportunities. Or find open positions by using job-search websites like:

• ZipRecruiter 
• Indeed
• Glassdoor 
• LinkedIn

Pro tip: When applying for certain positions, you may be asked for your desired salary. So, make sure to look up average salaries for your line of work in that area—and calculate the cost to live there. The market value of the type of service you provide might be higher or lower than where you currently live. Don’t let major salary differences catch you by surprise. Otherwise, you risk overshooting or undershooting yourself, which could knock you out as a candidate—or at least lead to an awkward moment. Instead, be confident in any job interview by knowing the value of what you can bring to the table—that’s someone employers want to hire.

For more confidence on securing a job you love, check out these resume and interview resources.

Before we move past the “job” subject, let’s talk about relocation packages—an employer-sponsored benefit that covers your cost to relocate for your new position. It’s not a given, but many employers offer one as a way to recruit the best talent. Getting one could ease your mind and save you a huge pile of Benjamin Franklins when it comes to moving. If you’re getting a job that requires you to relocate, or your current company is relocating you, be sure to know this is a bargaining chip on the table. It never hurts to ask. 

Relocation packages can vary widely, but here are some examples of what your new company might be willing to cover for you: 

• Trips to go house hunting in your new location 
• Certain costs associated with selling and buying homes
• Shipping costs to move all your stuff (including packing and unpacking)
• Travel expenses for your final move
• Temporary housing

While some companies will reimburse all your costs in certain areas, others offer a lump sum. It’s important to know exactly what your new employer will and will not cover, so you can estimate your out-of-pocket costs. Ask questions if anything is unclear. 

When it comes to relocation, negotiating a better relocation package is good for all parties. It’ll keep you and your family happy if there’s less for you to do, and it’ll give your employer a new staff member who’s ready to work sooner than later.

If you’re not satisfied with the relocation package offered to you, try doing your own research to negotiate a better deal. For example, if the moving service you’re using doesn’t include disassembling furniture, unpacking, or reassembling, find out how much those tasks usually cost and ask your employer to include them in your deal. If you can back up your requests with cost examples, you’re more likely to get them—as long as they don’t add thousands of dollars to the total.   

If you follow these tips to tackle the job and income side of your move, you’ll have a huge step checked off on your relocation journey. 

For more info on how to move your career when relocating, listen to the advice Ken Coleman gives to someone in your shoes: