By Jenifer Brown
In today’s marketplace, many healthcare technology management (HTM) candidates are having to relocate for a position with a new organization or because of an internal transfer with an existing employer. For most of us, moving to a new location and a new position can be can be very stressful.
Here are some tips to make your relocation transition smoother:
My first suggestion to candidates, when they are moving to a geographical area that they are not familiar with, is to first stay at an “extended stay” type of hotel for the first month or so. Many of these hotels have weekly and even monthly reduced rates. This gives you the opportunity to explore housing options firsthand – whether renting or purchasing a home.
Second, I suggest that you first rent a place for a year whether that be an apartment or a house. During this time, you can obtain a full understanding of housing options for the town where your position is located as well as all of the nearby neighborhoods within driving distance. This also gives you time to do more research on school systems, churches of preference and recreational activities that you want you and your family to have. This is especially helpful if you have an existing home in your current location that you plan to sell. This is helpful because it gives you the time to sell your house and have the finances for your new home purchase. I realize that all of this seems very logical and that everyone would naturally do so. However, too many times I have witnessed candidates panick and make mistakes because they were trying to do everything at once – plus start a new role!
Here are some resources available to assist you in this relocation process:
One of the best as well as free resources (though oftentimes it does not come to mind) is the local chamber of commerce. It is a wealth of in-depth information regarding housing, school systems, medical needs, shopping and recreational activities. There are also many other websites for housing. For renting an apartment or a house some websites to consider are www.apartmentfinders.com, www.zillow.com, www.zumper.com, www.crib.com and also check Craigslist for individuals renting out homes or a room in their home. For purchasing a home, check www.trulia.com, www.redfin.com, www.homes.com, www.zillow.com or the numerous websites of local real estate companies.
Hope this helps to relieve some stress and help ensure an exciting new start at a new position and location!
