Figuring out which company you should join is usually quite straightforward. You look up one that’s in your field and aligns with what you want to do with your life.
But knowing where to work–as in, a physical location–is not as straightforward. There are all sorts of considerations you have to make. And you’re not always sure which direction to go.
Fortunately, this post can help. We look at some of the factors to consider when you’re trying to work out where to work, and how they can make you more successful in the long-term.
Think About The Lifestyle You Want
The first thing to consider is the lifestyle you want. Some people thrive in big cities, while others prefer to be in rural areas closer to the land.
You should have a sense of which applies to you, so following your instinct is usually the best approach here. Sometimes being in nature is better overall, even if the pay is lower.
You should also check out new data from Checkr on top hybrid work cities. These locations are a sort of compromise. You can go to the city a couple of times a week and then spend the rest of the time at home at your computer.
Study Job Market Trends
Another way you can rig the game in your favor is to study job market trends. Looking into which industries are working best in which specific areas can narrow down your choice for you. After all, you want to be in an up-and-coming sector rather than one that’s on the rocks.
For example, if you want to get into tech, then San Francisco looks like the place to go. Meanwhile, if you want finance, then somewhere like Frankfurt might be better.
Account For Weather
Also, you should think about the weather you want. It can have a bigger impact on your well-being than you might expect.
For example, many Westerners love the idea of going to Bangkok and working there. But the heat, humidity, and pollution in the city can be extreme. Developing a lung condition isn’t fun.
Also, the cold can be a problem for some people. For example, the idea of working in Canada might be appealing, but the weather in most of the provinces is notoriously cold in the winter because of the absence of the jet stream. Seasons in this part of the world can be fierce.
Consider The Cost Of Living
Then there’s the cost of living to consider. San Francisco might have many opportunities, but it is also an extremely expensive city. Becoming financially successful there is much harder.
On the flip side, if you go somewhere like Lucknow in India, you will have a far lower cost of living, but then you will also have to deal with heat, noise, and traffic.
The best situation is where you can find a cheap location but also earn a high salary. This combination offers real benefits and can spur success long-term, especially when it comes to building up capital.