Moving internally, interstate or internationally: which is really the best option for you?

A poll conducted by Robert Walters in 2010 found that more and more professionals in the Asia-Pacific region were looking to develop their careers overseas.

In fact, only 9% of the candidates surveyed felt they had all the job opportunities needed in their home country. And feedback from employers suggests that their appetite for hiring professionals from offshore is becoming stronger.

But in reality, are more candidates moving internationally to pursue new career opportunities? And is this still the best option for professionals, or should candidates be looking to move within the city or country in which they currently live?

The answer depends on your individual situation. Everyone has different priorities and attitudes to work, so the right decision for you is the one that best suits your personal circumstances.

If you’re contemplating what your next career move should be, consider the following pros and cons of the different options available to you before making a decision.
 

Moving internally in the same city

Pros
· You’ll already know the company/culture/key players so you can hit the ground running
· You don’t have to uproot your life/family
· You’ll have greater job security

Cons
· You won’t gain new industry/geographic experience
· Your salary may not increase as much as it would if you were to move to a more competitive industry/region
· You’ll face the same frustrations and restrictions that may have prompted you to consider other options

Moving interstate
Pros
· It’s easier to move interstate than it is to move internationally
· You won’t have to adjust to a new culture/language
· You’ll have opportunities to explore new parts of your country
 

Cons
· You may gain new industry experience but you won’t gain experience in a different regional financial centre
· You won’t have opportunities to travel and explore internationally
· Depending on where you move, your salary may not increase as much as it would if you were to move internationally

Moving internationally
Pros
· Depending on where you move, you’ll receive a better salary
· You’ll have opportunities to travel and explore new regions
· You’ll gain experience in a different regional financial centre

Cons
· You may have difficulties adjusting to a new culture/language
· If you’re moving by yourself you’ll be away from your family; if you’re moving with your family you’ll have to uproot their lives
· You’ll lose experience in your local market and may lose touch with your network

David Barr
Director of Robert Walters, Sydney
[email protected]