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Should You Relocate for a New Job? What Your Values Say

She was conflicted when Isabelle was offered to relocate from Philadelphia to Austin for a product manager role at a thriving tech company. Leaving her hometown, where she had built a life over the past five years, was difficult. However, the new job represented an exciting advancement opportunity and a chance to expand her experience. After reflecting on her motivations and values, Isabelle took the risk and moved south. Getting involved with Austin's vibrant music scene, diverse outdoor activities, and welcoming community enabled Isabelle to flourish in ways she never imagined possible. Two years later, she is thrilled she trusted her instincts and made the life-changing move. Isabelle's story illustrates the rewards of relocation when it aligns with your aspirations.

The Complex Decision to Relocate for a Job

The decision to relocate for a new job is multifaceted, beyond salary and job title considerations. At a basic level, you must evaluate practical factors like the cost of living, the housing market, commute times, healthcare facilities, and amenities in the new location. Will this new spot allow you to have the lifestyle you want? You must also consider career impacts—will this new role provide learning and advancement opportunities? Will it set you on a better professional trajectory? Beyond just work factors, your relationships, community ties, recreational activities, and overall well-being also factor in. Leaving family, friends, and your home to start fresh in a new place is a huge life change. While exciting, it also means dealing with the stresses of packing up your whole life and starting over in unfamiliar territory. With so many practical, professional, and personal pros and cons involved, deciding whether or not to relocate for a job is far more complex than just comparing salaries or job titles.

At a basic level, you must evaluate practical factors like the cost of living, housing, and commute times in the new location. For example, while considering relocating from Milwaukee to Seattle for a job opportunity, compare average rents and home prices between the two cities. In Milwaukee, you may pay $1,000 monthly for a nice one-bedroom apartment near downtown, but that apartment could cost $2,000-$3,000 in downtown Seattle. Or your commute time driving to work might go from 15 minutes each way in Milwaukee to 45 minutes or an hour sitting in Seattle traffic. Run the numbers and have realistic expectations about expenses, transportation, and other lifestyle factors between your home and the potential new location. Quantifying these tradeoffs makes assessing the practical impacts more tangible.

Looking at Values Through the Spiral Dynamics Framework

Spiral Dynamics provides a valuable lens for understanding the values and motivations driving human behavior and development. The core idea is that human consciousness evolves through different stages or “value systems” represented as colors. Each stage reflects core motivations and worldviews.

Understanding your core motivations through the lens of Spiral Dynamics can bring self-awareness to a relocation choice. The opportunity to better align your life with your values is part of the appeal.

Overview of key survey results

The SDTEST poll “My top priorities when choosing a job are” asked respondents to rate the importance of various factors when choosing a job.

The rate of the priorities findings from the poll for 2022-05-23 – the current date you can see in the widget below on the tab Charts. The chart at the top displays the respondents' rate of the listed priorities. The chart at the bottom displays the respondents' responses to the SDTEST by colors of the Spiral Dynamics. This factual data is used to calculate the correlation with the ratings of priorities (0-10) that respondents indicate in their answers.

It is important to note that the correlation values change in the online widget depending on the number of response results. Therefore, the values indicated in the text may not match the actual calculations displayed in the widget. The full results of our VUCA poll are available for free in the FAQ section after login or registration.

Na prìomh phrìomhachasan luchd-siridh obrach

Charts Co-dhàimh

VUCA

Critical luach na co-dhàimh coefficient

Sgaoileadh àbhaisteach, le Uilleam Sealy Howet (Oileanach) r = 0.0604

Sgaoileadh neo-àbhaisteach, le spearman r = 0.0025

Seall a-mhàin toraidhean a-mhàin > r = 0.0604

Sgaoileadh	Neo-àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach	Àbhaisteach
A h-uile ceist A h-uile ceist Na prìomh phrìomhachasan agam nuair a thaghas tu obair
Na prìomh phrìomhachasan agam nuair a thaghas tu obair
Answer 1	-	Lag deimhinneach 0.0808	Lag àicheil -0.0700	Lag àicheil -0.0212	Lag àicheil -0.0460	Lag deimhinneach 0.1157	Lag àicheil -0.0497	Lag àicheil -0.0116
Answer 2	-	Lag deimhinneach 0.0723	Lag àicheil -0.0154	Lag deimhinneach 0.0273	Lag àicheil -0.0055	Lag deimhinneach 0.0265	Lag àicheil -0.0628	Lag àicheil -0.0290
Answer 3	-	Lag deimhinneach 0.0530	Lag àicheil -0.0457	Lag deimhinneach 0.0300	Lag àicheil -0.0440	Lag àicheil -0.0279	Lag àicheil -0.0113	Lag deimhinneach 0.0528
Answer 4	-	Lag àicheil -0.0098	Lag deimhinneach 0.0392	Lag deimhinneach 0.0606	Lag deimhinneach 0.0918	Lag àicheil -0.0731	Lag àicheil -0.0179	Lag àicheil -0.0785
Answer 5	-	Lag deimhinneach 0.0825	Lag deimhinneach 0.0472	Lag deimhinneach 0.0590	Lag deimhinneach 0.0974	Lag àicheil -0.0956	Lag àicheil -0.0741	Lag àicheil -0.0782
Answer 6	-	Lag deimhinneach 0.0310	Lag àicheil -0.0122	Lag deimhinneach 0.0231	Lag àicheil -0.0177	Lag deimhinneach 0.0446	Lag àicheil -0.0150	Lag àicheil -0.0455
Answer 7	-	Lag deimhinneach 0.1089	Lag deimhinneach 0.0088	Lag deimhinneach 0.0291	Lag àicheil -0.0047	Lag deimhinneach 0.0144	Lag àicheil -0.0361	Lag àicheil -0.0812
Answer 8	-	Lag àicheil -0.0065	Lag àicheil -0.0338	Lag deimhinneach 0.0151	Lag deimhinneach 0.0715	Lag àicheil -0.0372	Lag àicheil -0.0302	Lag deimhinneach 0.0078
Answer 9	-	Lag àicheil -0.0067	Lag deimhinneach 0.1058	Lag deimhinneach 0.0267	Lag deimhinneach 0.1470	Lag àicheil -0.0800	Lag àicheil -0.0486	Lag àicheil -0.1142
Answer 10	-	Lag àicheil -0.1075	Lag àicheil -0.0223	Lag àicheil -0.0142	Lag deimhinneach 0.0105	Lag àicheil -0.0127	Lag deimhinneach 0.0100	Lag deimhinneach 0.0880

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The range of top priorities in the SDTEST survey reflects the diverse values and motivations influencing job and career decisions. Interesting work and work-life balance suggest self-expression values and desires for enjoyment and fulfillment. Financial compensation and stability speak to foundational security needs. Advancement opportunities point towards achievement values. Appreciation indicates that people seek meaning, purpose, and recognition. Relationships reflect social and community values.

Examining your own rankings can reveal where you fall across the spectrum of values. This self-reflection is key in determining if relocation fits your priorities.

Observations on values reflected in priorities

The table below provides a Spiral Dynamics perspective on how the survey priority rankings may correlate to different meme motivations and value systems:

The critical value of the correlation coefficient Normal distribution, by William Sealy Gosset (Student) r = 0.0757

Distribution	Non Normal	Normal	Normal	Normal	Normal	Normal	Normal	Normal
Priorities when choosing a job / Spiral Dynamics colors	Beige	Purple	Red	Blue	Orange	Green	Yellow	Turquoise
A good relationship with colleagues	-	0,0787	-0,077	-0,0115	-0,0852	0,1302	-0,0711	0,0365
A good relationship with bosses	-	0,0605	-0,0166	0,0202	-0,0411	0,0412	-0,0577	0,0082
The right work-life balance	-	0,0676	-0,0345	0,0094	-0,056	-0,0627	-0,0293	0,1088
Financial compensation	-	0,0121	0,0422	0,0834	0,0817	-0,0977	-0,0449	-0,0608
Financial stability of the employer	-	0,0754	0,0521	0,0705	0,1027	-0,1468	-0,0728	-0,0483
Appreciation for the work done	-	0,061	-0,03	-0,0018	0,0244	0,0352	-0,0424	-0,0368
Employment guarantee	-	0,1241	-0,0011	0,0374	-0,0331	-0,0044	-0,0497	-0,0317
Education and vocational training	-	0,029	-0,0584	0,0111	0,0415	-0,0451	-0,01	0,0228
Career opportunities	-	0,0346	0,092	0,0388	0,1249	-0,0926	-0,0586	-0,1116
Interesting content of the work	-	-0,0687	-0,0275	-0,014	-0,0114	0,0107	-0,0137	0,0853

Here is a detailed interpretation of the specific correlation findings from the table in the context of relocation:

positive correlation of 0.0787 between Purple and good colleague relationships suggests community-oriented Purple types value building connections in the workplace when considering relocation. They will likely seek locations enabling strong bonds with coworkers.
positive correlation of 0.1241 between Purple and employment guarantee indicates loyalty and stability are important to traditional Purple types. When relocating, they will prioritize security and assurance.
positive correlation of 0.092 between Red and career opportunities reflects that achievement-driven Red types are motivated by advancement when relocating. They seek roles and locations providing growth.
negative correlation of -0.077 between Red and colleague relationships suggests Red individualists are less concerned with workplace connections when relocating. They are focused on advancement.
positive correlation of 0.0832 between Blue and compensation indicates that purposeful Blue types have practical concerns about fair pay when considering a move. Financial stability matters alongside meaning.
negative correlation of -0.0852 between Orange and colleague relationships shows strategic Orange types prioritize goals over relationships when relocating. They take a pragmatic view.
positive correlation of 0.0817 between Orange and compensation reflects that Orange types value fair pay when relocating. Practical considerations are important to them.
positive correlation of 0.1027 between Orange and employer stability shows Orange strategic types value security assurances when relocating. They minimize risks.
positive correlation of 0.1249 between Orange and opportunities reflects Orange achievement orientation. Relocating for growth is appealing.
positive correlation of 0.1302 between Green and colleague relationships indicates socially-conscious Greens highly value workplace connections when considering a move.
negative correlation of -0.0977 between Green and compensation suggests relationships take priority over pay for idealistic Greens when relocating.
negative correlation of -0.1467 between Green and employer stability indicates Greens are less focused on conventional security measures when relocating. They take risks for causes.
negative correlation of -0.0926 between Green and opportunities shows Greens balance achievement with egalitarian ideals when relocating. Advancement isn't everything.
positive correlation of 0.1088 between Turquoise and work-life balance reflects holistic Turquoise types want harmony between work and life when relocating.
negative correlation of -0.1116 between Turquoise and opportunities shows Turquoise globalists are not driven by advancement alone when relocating. They take a broad view.
positive correlation of 0.0853 between Turquoise and interesting work indicates self-actualizing Turquoise types seek meaningful work that fits their values when considering a move.

Examining your own priority rankings through the Spiral Dynamics lens can provide insights into your core values and motivations. This self-understanding is key in evaluating whether a relocation aligns with your priorities and developmental stage.

Aligning Relocation With Your Core Values

For security-focused Beige types, alignment may mean moving somewhere with a lower cost of living. Belonging-driven Purple types align with relocating closer to family and supportive communities. Achievement-motivated Orange types align with opportunities for promotion, pay increases, and career growth. Purposeful Blue types align with work and organizations that provide meaning and a chance to apply expertise. Self-expressive Green types may align with vibrant cultural scenes that allow work-life balance and time for passions. Growth-oriented Yellow types align with locations that expand perspectives and capabilities. Globalist Turquoise types align with moves that enable sustainable living and greater service.

Amy prioritizes global contribution and wants her work to positively impact environmental causes. When she was presented with an opportunity to relocate to Washington, DC, to work for a nonprofit agency focused on clean energy policy, it aligned perfectly with her core values. Even though it meant leaving her home in California, Amy took the job that allowed her to apply her advocacy and community organizing skills to lobby for legislative change. For Amy, finding meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in her work was the key motivation in her relocation decision rather than factors like pay or advancement. She relocated to align her life path with her deepest personal values.

Lifestyle Factors Beyond Motivations

Work-life balance and stress considerations

Work-life balance and stress considerations are key. Evaluate if relocating will make work-life boundaries easier or harder. Will it increase or decrease stress? Consider careers, commutes, childcare, and other logistics.

Recreational, family, and social connections matter. Reflect on how relocation affects activities, hobbies, friends, and family relationships. Will key connections be maintained or lost?

The ability to envision life in the new location is critical. Imagine your daily routine, community involvement, and weekends in the new place. Does your vision feel aligned and fulfilling? If not, reconsider.

Recreational, family, and social connections

Recreational, family, and social connections matter greatly in relocation decisions. Reflect deeply on how moving may impact your hobbies, activities, passions, family ties, and friendships. For example, if you love skiing, how close is the new location to quality slopes and resorts? How might uprooting young kids affect their social lives and sense of security if you have young kids? Will you maintain vital friendships and support systems after moving? Be sure to have honest conversations about expectations and concerns with family members. Considering the impacts on recreational outlets, family roles, and social circles you depend on will lead to a thoughtful decision aligned with your relational needs and values.

Leaving behind close relationships can be one of the hardest parts of relocating for a job. The physical distance strains bonds that were once nurtured by proximity. For example, Sarah had a tight-knit group of friends in Portland who got together almost daily. Leaving them behind for a job in New York meant going from nightly get-togethers to mainly just digital communication. The time difference even impacted their virtual interactions. While this was difficult, Sarah also saw it as an opportunity to expand her social circle and make new friends with a broader perspective. Still, severing those deep roots requires adjustment. If you have an extremely close family, group of friends, or community, relocating will significantly impact those bonds. Be honest with yourself about this major relationship shift.

Ability to envision life in the new location

The ability to envision life in the new location is critical. Take time to realistically imagine your daily routine, weekend activities, community and social involvement, and overall lifestyle if you were to move. Picture the pace and energy of the place. What does your ideal day look like? How might you become part of the community? Envisioning yourself thriving and happy in the new environment—rather than just imagining the novelty wearing off after a few months—is key. If your vision doesn't feel like an authentic, aligned, sustainable next chapter, listen to that instinct and reconsider. A move should support the life you want, not just be a temporary escape from the life you have.

When Ben considered relocating to Denver, Colorado, for a new job opportunity, he pictured exactly what his daily life could look like in vivid detail. He envisioned starting every morning with a hike with the dog in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. He saw himself joining a community gardening group to grow fresh produce and meet new people. He imagined spending weekends skiing in the winter and attending summer music festivals. He could see my morning commute route driving to work with the mountains in the background. He also factored in details like finding a sunny apartment with views of the city skyline that would allow him to immerse himself in the Colorado lifestyle. This realistic vision of his daily routines, recreational activities, and involvement in the new place made him confident he would quickly feel at home there.

Making the Decision Holistically

When deciding whether to relocate for a job, consider your values and vision for your life just as much as logical factors. Evaluate motivations, priorities, relationships, community, self-expression, and growth.

Importance of considering values and vision, not just logic

When evaluating a relocation opportunity, look beyond logical factors like salary, benefits, and career advancement prospects. While these practical considerations are important, carve out time for deeper reflection on what matters most. What are your core motivations and values? What kind of lifestyle do you envision for optimal well-being and purpose? How might a move support self-expression, relationships, community ties, recreational passions, and personal growth? Weighing these human elements alongside logical factors results in a balanced decision true to your values and vision for life. Relying on logic alone risks misalignment with your developmental needs. To make the right choice for you, listen to both your head and your heart.

Relocation as a developmental opportunity

Approach relocation as a developmental opportunity to craft a life more aligned with your true motivations and potential. Progress through growth stages often requires change. While risky, relocation can become part of your journey toward self-actualization.

Conclusion

Relocating for a new job is a significant life decision requiring holistic evaluation. Logical factors like compensation naturally matter, but reflecting on motivations, values, relationships, ideal lifestyle, and personal growth is also key for alignment. Models like Spiral Dynamics provide useful frameworks, and assessments like the SDTEST offer additional insights. The SDTEST poll on job priorities across 62 countries and 15 languages provides dynamically updated data on the values driving people’s career decisions. Given cultural differences, reviewing the results specific to your country and language can reveal helpful context. Since motivations evolve, periodically retaking the SDTEST can provide renewed self-awareness for significant decisions like relocation. With thoughtfulness and attention to your core priorities and developmental journey, a move may present an opportunity to craft a more fulfilling life. Use resources like the SDTEST to look within, and let your evolving sense of purpose guide you.

While change is difficult, a move aligned with your evolving purpose can open up new horizons of fulfillment. Have the courage to take a chance on the next chapter of your journey. Listen to your heart as much as your head. Let it guide you to a place where your best self can emerge. When an opportunity resonates with your inner voice, don't let fear hold you back. Take the leap of faith and watch your world expand in wondrous ways. The possibilities await.

2023.08.11

Valerii Kosenko

Sealbhadair Bathar SaaS SDTEST®

Fhuair Valerii teisteanas mar pedagogue-psychologist sòisealta ann an 1993 agus bhon uair sin tha e air a chuid eòlais a chleachdadh ann an stiùireadh pròiseict.
Fhuair Valerii ceum Maighstireachd agus an teisteanas manaidsear pròiseict agus prògram ann an 2013. Rè a phrògram Maighstireachd, dh'fhàs e eòlach air Project Roadmap (GPM Deutsche Gesellschaft für Projektmanagement e. V.) agus Spiral Dynamics.
Tha Valerii na ùghdar air sgrùdadh a dhèanamh air mì-chinnt an V.U.C.A. bun-bheachd a’ cleachdadh Spiral Dynamics agus staitistig matamataigeach ann an eòlas-inntinn, agus 38 cunntasan-bheachd eadar-nàiseanta.

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