Not too long ago, before remote design was an option, relocation was one of the best ways in our industry to advance. Candidates, who were ready to take the next step in their career but were stuck in their job for many reasons, would look for better opportunities by changing companies, sometimes requiring relocation. Whether they were looking for an advancement, more pay, or better benefits, relocating was a good option. One reason relocation was happening more then than now is the difference between opportunities. Back then, when the need for designers was exploding, it was all compensation-driven. It was not unlikely to find a job that paid $10-20,000+ more, making relocation profitable.
Baby Boomers and Next Gen candidates seemed to have had fewer issues with picking up house and family and moving a few hundred miles away for the right opportunity when they were younger. But now, fast forward to Millennials and three key factors are taking relocation off the table. First, the current generation is focused more on their social life than career. In general, most of my younger candidates tell me that they or their family are too connected to local friends, church, activities, or area to consider relocation. Second, jobs that offer relocation are not giving as big a pay increase as before, and moving laterally in compensation needs to have good upsides to consider relocation when also considering the third reason. Third, Millennials are more connected to technology and prefer remote opportunities, be that local or long distance. It fits their social style, gives flexibility, and lets them build the technology environment they want. Pay is similar and most remote designers are hired with benefits, not as 1099 contractors.
“If you are not offering remote opportunities now, better get there soon or you may find your people working remotely, for your competition.”
My Advice for Employers:
Bottom line, if you want a millennial to relocate, you better have a great company culture, an inviting and flexible work environment, and pay that’s at or above industry standard. Look at what big Silicon Valley companies have done to change their culture and office environment, then see if you can borrow a few ideas to improve yours. Better offices, better technology, flexible schedules, relocation perks, and even part-time remote can sweeten the deal. The good news is you can keep the hiring bonus. Millennials are too smart to bite at a short term gain. If they are going to leave their current work and home environment, your opportunity has to rock!
My Advice for Employees:
So there you have it Candidates, to relocate or not depends on your goals. Just know that if you choose to relocate, be sure to look at many options to find the perfect opportunity. Don’t jump at the first one you find. Get as much detail about the company as possible, including their stability and employee satisfaction, and even consider talking to an insider about the company before you put your name in the hat.
Thomas McAnally, President of The JobLine, has been an industry recruiter for more than 25 years. Representing both employers and candidates, he’s sometimes known as the Industry’s Matchmaker. Visit his website at www.thejobline.com or mail@thejobline.com. Strictly Confidential!