Almost 6 years ago, I left Nashville, TN and moved to Alexandria, VA. I packed up my 2005 Honda Accord and shipped it ahead of me, while I stayed behind and finished my job duties at a prestigious Pediatric Outpatient Clinic. I then took a one-way flight on my birthday to my new home. I never looked back.
Why did I move? For a job.
Was it my dream job? Yes.
If I had to do it all over again, would I make the same decision? Absolutely, yes.
Don’t get me wrong, there are times when I have taken job offers I shouldn’t have or relocated to other cities for jobs I shouldn’t have. But this time (in 2019), I got it right.
I know so many other Speech Language Pathologists struggle with decisions like this everyday, especially new clinicians.
Do you accept a low paying job that’s your “dream” setting?
Do you move to the middle of nowhere just to “gain experience”?
Do you stay put in your “safe” job even though you want to take a chance somewhere else?
Can you make more money if you moved away and did your same job somewhere else?
I see the social medial posts and I get DMs with these types of questions all the time. These are very important, yet personal questions for those in our field. But only WE can choose the best option for US.
However, below are just a few things to consider-----if you have been asking yourself lately---- “Should I move for that new SLP job?”
Consider the money. Can you live comfortably with the monetary compensation this job is offering? Will you be paid hourly or salary? Will you still get paid even if a patient cancels or is a no-show (if outpatient)? Are you guaranteed hours if you are paid hourly?
NOTE: You were born to THRIVE, not just survive. I have “toughed” it out at a low paying job before. I did it for years and I can honestly say--- I do not recommend it. Suffering monetarily can make you resentful and bitter--- even if you do enjoy the actual work you do. Bottom line: Unless you have money already (generational wealth, lottery money, etc), consider the money.
Consider the benefits. Will the new job help with relocation /moving expenses? Will you have sufficient time off from work? Will you be covered if you get sick, pregnant, have a death in the family? Does the pay increase each year? Can your pay increase with good job performance or new certifications?
Consider the work culture. Does this seem like a group of people you would want to work with? Do you have to work weekends? Does this job require you to work (most/all) holidays? Is it required to be “on call”? How much control do you have over your caseload? Can you discharge patients on your own? Can you work a modified work schedule such as (4) 10 hour days? Are you allowed to have another job or is that considered a “conflict of interest” at this new job? How easy is it to take off work when needed? Is there an Employee Assistance Program, if needed? What exactly is the orientation/onboarding process? How long before you start seeing patients? What will be the size/makeup of your caseload? What are the productivity requirements?
Consider the growth/career advancement. Will you have to fight Human Resources or your supervisor to get them to invest in your continuing education? Will the job give you a hard time when you want to take off for conventions/conferences? Are they open to you taking on roles such as leading in-services, hosting a journal club, or conducting research?
Consider the city. Is this an area you actually WANT to live in? You’ll spend more time NOT at work than you will AT work? Does the vibe or pace of the area match your personality? Can you see yourself being excited to get off work and do things on a weekday or excited to explore the area on your weekends off?
Consider the cost of living. Is the monetary compensation of the job matching the cost of living in the area? Will you be able to afford the living space you want with the salary offered? Will you be able to afford living close to where you work or will you have a long commute? Are most people buying houses or renting… and what do you eventually want to do? Do you have a lot of debt you want to pay off? Do you want to save a lot of your money each paycheck to go towards something else other than shelter? Will you be able to do that with this salary offered?
Consider your social well-being. Do you want to live super close to family/friends? How easily do you make new friends? Is it important to you to be social at work and outside of work? Is it important for you to be able to be close to family? Are you open to being a plane ride away vs. a short drive away.? Are you interested in meeting new people? Are you family oriented? Are you shy? An extrovert or introvert? Will you able to bring or have a pet with your new job/commute/work schedule?
Consider your unique situation. Is it just you moving or do you have a spouse and/or kids? If family would be moving too, how might the transition impact them? How are the school systems? How is the job market for your spouse? Is It important for you to be able telework? Is it important for you to be able to XYZ? Do you see yourself at this job for a just a few years or a few decades? Is this job a stepping stone to something else? Is this truly your dream job? Do you KNOW you would be happy working at this job?
Relocating to a new city for a job is big decision/big deal. These are just a few things I DID consider when I relocated---and would always consider if I was offered a job in a new city. Perhaps if you draw a line down the middle of the page and write “pros” and “cons” across the top, these considerations can help you make your final decision. That’s what I did back in 2019 and it was an easy decision after that lol.
Good luck! And remember, that no matter what city you work in OR what setting you work in, you are an amazing Speech Language Pathologist and fully capable of delivering FUNctional and Affordable Speech Therapy. Think F.A.S.T.!
-Dana (The Neuro SLP)
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