Whether or not to relocate for a new role is a big decision, professionally and personally. Animal health pros are routinely faced with relocation decisions as companies merge. The same is true for associate veterinarians and veterinary nurses looking to advance their careers.
Author and professor Jennifer Petriglieri offers some ideas to help think through whether the move is right.
Source: Harvard Business Review, December 3, 2018. Link. Petriglieri’s principles to remember:
Do:
- Think about the decision as an identity choice. Ask yourself: Who do you want to become? What kind of family do you want to be?
- Make your partner’s happiness a priority.
- Propose a temporary stint or job swap to test out the new location.
Don’t:
- Only focus on the immediate consequences of the move. Consider how it will impact you, your partner, and your children in the long-term.
- Ruminate all alone. Solicit advice from trusted peers.
- Overthink the decision. If you go for it and you’re unhappy, you can come home. If you decide against it, have faith there will be another opportunity down the road.