Are you a doctor or other medical professional seeking a change? Relocating could open up doors professionally and personally, but it can be anxiety inducing to think about moving to a new area. Will you be able to find work? Will you have to start over? How will you weather such a major change?

Moving is generally accepted to be a stressful experience on a par with getting engaged or divorced, losing a job, or starting a family. Whether you are fresh from university with a bachelor's degree in a medical field, or a seasoned medical professional seeking a new practice or hospital to join, relocation doesn't have to be frightening. However, it's best to consider the following before making a move.

What are the reasons for relocating?

While just wanting a change can be a valid reason to move, look at your options and make sure you're not reacting to something with unwarranted haste. A breakup or the loss of a parent might make you feel like you just need to get away, but let things rest a little first to ensure you have good reasons for relocating. Medical professionals can be the worst when it comes to seeking mental health treatment, so be introspective and make sure any depression or stress is appropriately treated before making massive life changes. Then get ready for your relocation in a forward-thinking frame of mind, running to something new, instead of away from something old.

Is your spouse or family on board?

Relocating as an arbitrary decision can mean an adverse effect on other people close to you. Talk things over with your loved ones and find ways to make the move palatable and positive for everyone involved. If there's another career on the line, or school opportunities could be lost, you may have to have some difficult soul searching discussions. However, if everyone is on board, your relocation can be an exciting adventure to a new city or even a new country.

What's the job market like?

If you don't already have a position lined up, start looking. Research prospective employers online and through social media, and think about using a recruitment service to find permanent doctor jobs or other work in the medical fields. Work on sprucing up your CV, medical school details, and medical history as doctor or medical assistant, then get ready for interviews. Selling yourself as a great candidate for open positions can help you secure a position. Having a job lined up makes relocation less risky.

What will the move mean for you outside of work?

Think about work-life balance

Your relocation should be a step up not just for your career path, but for your entire life. Ask what benefits are available, from corporate health cover to childcare options to flexible work hours and time off. Investigate the city you are thinking about moving to and find out if you'll be able to pursue familiar hobbies, easily make friends, and enjoy new and exciting activities. Look particularly for things that can improve mental health, like exercise and physical activity opportunities. Also, think about continuing your higher education. A relocation could open new doors.

Costs associated with relocation

Hopefully, your new employer will offer to cover some or all of your relocations costs. Think about your current salary and what you can expect to command once you've relocated. The cost of living can vary widely form the big cities to the more rural areas. Thoroughly investigate your potential neighborhoods to live in as well as your commute when calculating your relocation and living costs. There is an extreme shortage of doctors in rural and remote areas, so find out if there are perks of taking one of those jobs.

Social support network

If you're moving to be closer to family, you might be tapping into a prebuilt network. If you're moving away from everyone you know, be prepared to start building immediately. You'll need support, especially if you have a family. By doing some networking on social prior to your relocation, you can make some connections and hit the ground running when you arrive.

Are you ready to move forward with a relocation? It could be the most exciting and empowering move you'll ever make, and easier than you ever imagined. Contact us today to find permanent and locum doctor jobs in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.