Why Relocating for a Government Job is Worth It
Tonya Marie Towles is Expansion Network Owner at PCS Pro. PCS Pro is comprised of military spouses and veterans who are passionate about helping fellow military families and service members find their next home. With their expertise, you will have an endless amount resources that have all the permanent change of station military information that you could ever need.
Government jobs can be challenging to get — there are also some positions that take longer to fill than others. Suppose you already work for the government and are open to relocating. In that case, the incentives for agreeing to relocate for one of these hard-to-fill jobs might provide a significant boost for your career and quality of life in general. Let’s discuss a few incentives to help you consider if relocation is right for you.
Financial Incentives
When a particular governmental agency has a job that hasn’t been filled for some time, it often will offer the job to an existing employee in another department, which includes a relocation incentive that can be up to 25% of your salary or higher. Of course, there are some conditions; for instance, you must be relocating at least 50 miles away from your current location. Additionally, you must usually hold a position in the general service, senior executive service, law enforcement or similar category. Even if your position does not fall in these categories, the head of your department can petition to have your relocation be eligible for the incentive as long as you’ve had positive performance reviews.
Moving Expenses
Besides the incentive, the government will move and pay to store up to 18,000 pounds of goods. It will also refer you to someone to help with the transition, including checking out your new community, purchasing or renting PCS real estate, or enrolling your children in school. They can also reimburse you for moving you, your family, and your possessions to your new location via a per diem for travel.
If you are considering relocating for a government job, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and do your research ahead of time.
TONYA MARIE TOWLES
Quality of Life
You can also enjoy non-monetary benefits when relocating for a government job, such as the opportunity to move to locations with high-quality public schools and safe neighborhoods. You may get access to different resources and amenities, such as fitness centers and recreational spaces. Your new location might be more affordable with a lower cost of living.
Career Advancement
Moving to a government job can also offer many other benefits, such as greater stability and security in your career, access to training programs and professional development opportunities, and an opportunity to work on projects that have a tangible impact on the world around you. Your new job and location might offer more favorable work-life balance options, such as more affordable child care or a shorter commute to work. Plus, you will benefit from the support of a large and diverse network of colleagues who can help you navigate unfamiliar terrain and establish yourself in your new community.
If you are considering relocating for a government job, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and do your research ahead of time. With all of the fantastic benefits that come with moving for a government position, it can be well worth it in the long run.
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