One of the more difficult aspects of any job change is the issue of geographic preferences. All people have preferences, and there is nothing wrong with that, but when preferences become restrictions, problems begin. The bottom line is that restricting oneself to only one place restricts the number of opportunities one can see, the fewer things one sees, the fewer choices he or she has, and the fewer choices one has, the poorer decision one makes.

More poor career decisions are made based on geography than for any other reason, and 99% of the time that decision is made based on spousal pressure!
· “I’ve followed you around for 5 years. It’s time to live where I want to.” · “We’ve been out of the country for 3 years and want to get closer to home.” · “Our kids need to spend more time with their grandparents.”

While these are legitimate comments, they should not be the deciding factor behind choosing an employer.

The first job is the most important decision an exiting officer makes. This sets up the rest of one’s business career. Very simply, one should go with the very best opportunity available.

Key Points to Remember
You will more than likely be in your first location only about 18 months.
You have more input later in your career than earlier.
Stays are lengthier as you move up.

So, would you rather start off where you want only to leave it in a short time, or be working yourself toward the location you want and stay there longer?

The bottom line is you can go to an “A” company, be excited about the work, learning new things daily, challenged, and becoming more marketable both inside the company and outside the company in an okay location, or you can go to the “B” company, not as excited, not as challenged, not learning as much, not becoming as marketable at home.

Professionally the choice is clear.

However, people have preferences, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, they can be used as a “tie breaker” between equally attractive offers. Just be sure to have things in perspective and weigh the important items more. We recommend people look at the following “what counts” factors when choosing an employer.

The Job. What will you wake up and go do each day?
The People. Who will you be doing it with? Customers, vendors, clients, etc.
The Culture. What is the working environment, company attitude, philosophy, values, mission?
The Opportunity. How will you grow? What skills will you acquire? What are promotional opportunities, growth rate, etc.?
The Lifestyle. Hours, Travel, Compensation, Location, etc.

Note that Location is last.

Companies aren’t stupid. Turnover hurts them and is very expensive, so they do everything they can to make sure their people are happy. They ask for people’s preferences at all steps, i.e., at time of hire and when promotions or opportunities arise. They know that the odds of a “died in the wool” Texan being happy in New Jersey is low, so they take these factors into account.

However, one of the things that make ex-military people so attractive is that they are used to relocating. They are more adaptable, know how to make the best of a situation, realize that location is temporary, and value the needs of the company along with their own.

Life is never simple though. There are certainly legitimate reasons one may be restricted geographically:
1) Illnesses that require medical attention only available in certain areas.
2) Family illness that necessitates locating within a certain distance.
3) Dual career concerns.
4) Special education needs

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Summing Up:
Preferences are fine, restrictions restrict!