Relocation. Where to begin

by Natalie Thomas and Nazrana Parker

CAREER UPDATEcatches up with recent graduates to chat about their relocation experiences and how they overcame the challenges of leaving home in preparation for their new journey. These graduates are:

Wélan Spogter Customer Success Manager at Microsoft (from Cape Town to Johannesburg

Yasien Meth Consultant, Business Enablement & Change at Standard Bank Group (from Durban to Johannesburg)

Ethel Teni Lead Business Analyst at Absa Group (from King William’s Town to Johannesburg)

Asiphe Cetywayo Legal Offi cer at Standard Bank Group (from Molteno to Johannesburg) What support did the company off er with relocation?

Both Yasien and Ethel received a relocation stipend to assist with settling in, whereas Wélan and Asiphe paid their own way. Asiphe saw his expenses as an investment in his career.

What factors did you consider when deciding to relocate?

Asiphe, Ethel and Wélan highlights the fact the Johannesburg off ered career growth and learning as it was the corporate hub of our country. Both Wélan and Yasien also considered the issue of safety, living close to work and whether it would be easy to commute 

with public transport if you do not have you own vehicle. Only Yasien and Ethel were exposed to the hussle and bustle of Johannesburg prior to relocation as both their employers housed them for a short period. Yasien used the fi rst week to chat to locals and look around for suitable accommodation. For Ethel it was a bit diff erent as she tapped into her network that she built from her previous employer when she visited Johannesburg for short stints. They provided a great support system and sense of community.

Ethel tapped into her network that she built from her previous employer when she visited Johannesburg for short stints. They provided a great support system and sense of community.

The graduates highlighted the importance of making friends and asking questions about the city.

What did you do to adjust to your new surroundings?

The graduates highlighted the importance of making friends and asking questions about the city. Ethel stressed the importance of planning beforehand. She managed to live and commute with a friend for the fi rst month which allowed her not to make hasty decisions. She admitted she could not plan herself out of the traffi c. Asiphe advised that one should connect with your neighbours in your apartment complex and peers from campus. Look them up on LinkedIn and Facebook.

What challenges did you experience in your fi rst few weeks?

All the graduates experienced traveling as a challenge – public transport, high volume of traffi c, getting lost and working late at night. Ethel was anxious about adjusting to her new surroundings. Asiphe struggled to fi nd secure and aff ordable accommodation, and dealing with being without family and friends.

How did you overcome these challenges?

Wélan asked for help but, being street-smart, she was always cautious about the potential challenges of urban life. Yasien befriended fellow graduate trainees as well as colleagues in Standard Bank. Ethel boasted that her networks from a previous work stint was valuable. Asiphe reminded himself of his goals for being in Johannesburg and remained positive. He shared accommodation to save money and make new friends.

What positives did you take out of relocating?

Although scary, Ethel found the relocation experience to be a fresh start. Wélan and Asiphe highlighted the independence of growing as a person and getting out of your comfort zone. Yasien developed his ability to socialise and network with new people. CU

Tips for relocation

All graduates: Contact peers and alumni on LinkedIn for advice about relocation and fi nding accommodation • Start saving up during your studies and do not be shy to ask a prospective employer for assistance with relocation • Stay organised. Keep to-do lists for both your departure and arrival locations. • Know what’s available to you. Many companies off er a variety of relocation services and most are fl exible in what they provide. • Work out your costs for the fi rst month • Avoid long-term commitments especially on accommodation • Develop a work-life balance

Wélan The location of your employer should infl uence accommodation and travelling choices.

Yasien Do not be afraid of the big new city and company.

Ethel Trust yourself. Things always work out, no matter how long it takes.

Asiphe Do not be afraid to take a leap of faith.

Once you commence your job search, you need to think about the possibility that you will be expected to relocate to another town. Are your prepared to do so?