Key issues
Your employment contract
It is important that you fully understand the conditions of your employment, and in particular the conditions attached to the relocation. For example:
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How long do you intend to stay?
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How long does your contract require you to stay? Is there a minimum period?
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What would happen if you didn’t like your new job? Can you for example return to your previous job, or will you look for employment in your new location?
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What, if any, financial or other penalties apply if the contract is terminated early?
Ensure that you always receive in writing the offer of employment, and the conditions under which you are to be employed. This protects the interests of both you and your employer.
Costs of relocation
Most employers will provide financial assistance when relocation is required. You will need to research what costs are involved and clarify what expenses your employer is prepared to cover, and those you will have to pay. Some of the costs might include:
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travel expenses – for you and family members relocating with you
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accommodation and meals associated with travel and relocation
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temporary accommodation for an agreed period until you find your own housing
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removal expenses – household effects, motor vehicle etc
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connection fees for utilities – phone, light and power
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car rental
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cost of necessary medical examinations, vaccinations
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telephone expenses
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child care
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school fees subsidies
An associated cost issue is how expenses are to be paid to you. You will either need to pay the expenses yourself and then be reimbursed, or be given a relocation allowance, plus the ability to claim excess expenses if the costs of relocation exceed the allowance.
Relocation can involve significant expenses. It may therefore be to your advantage to negotiate a removal allowance so that you don’t have to spend your own money up front.
Negotiating your new salary
Negotiate your new salary separately from relocation expenses. Do not be rushed into agreeing to new salary and conditions until you have researched the cost of living in the new location. Your new salary should compensate you (and if applicable, your family) for any increased cost of living.
Potential impact on the career of your partner
This is often a key reason why people choose not to relocate. Employers are increasingly aware that they may need to assist partners to find suitable new employment. If the career of your partner is an issue, ask your new employer about any assistance they may be able to offer in this regard.
Want more information about relocating?
The following websites provide more information related to relocation, including some handy calculators and guides to assist you to research cost of relocation and living standards in your new location:
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Seek – helpful hints and tips regarding relocation
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Trinity College – a site containing links to a number of tools to assist you to calculate relocation costs
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Go Matilda – interstate cost of living calculator
If you are thinking about relocation to rural Australia go to this section for some useful related links.