Going to a new city can sometimes stimulate your life and your professional growth. If your current employer or a new employer offers you an attractive new position and expects you to move in order to accept it, be sure to prepare for the changes ahead. Even if your new job location is in the same state, moving can be cumbersome without proper planning.

Before you move, you need to consider some points:

• Difference in the cost of living - Before you accept a move, make sure that you will earn enough to live as comfortably in the new location as your current living.

• Understand the local culture of that area and check whether that place offers a diverse environment. Each area of a country offers its own unique and diverse culture.

• Check whether the company you are planning to join is the only one in that town or whether you have different options. This is one of the most important points you need to consider before relocating, as recessions and unemployment occur everywhere. If the new location has a wider assortment of employment options, your chances are better for future opportunities.

• Think carefully before you finally relocate, because if you are not satisfied with your current job, then you need to have resources to make another move, return, or find a new job.

• Be aware of non-compete clauses. Check for any clause mentioned in your contract that may prohibit you from transferring from that job to any other company and what limitations may be in place should you need to make a job change later.

• Family considerations. This one is obvious, but ensure that the new location would provide you with good schools if you have children. Aside from schools, what amenities/attractions/venues does the new location have for you to enjoy during your off-work hours (i.e. malls, movie theaters, supermarkets, nightlife)?

If you are thinking of relocating from a small town to a big city, then that may mean moving to a more stressful work environment. Some employees may appreciate the calm of a small town, whereas some may not. You will have to make a decision on what type of work environment motivates you. Depending on how serious you are with relocating, it would be worth the effort to try visiting the potential location, perhaps on a weekend to get a better grasp of how compatible you are with your new environment.

Relocation is a complicated procedure, so one shouldn’t take it lightly; yet, at the same time, don't be afraid to take a good opportunity when it presents itself because of your innate fear of change. Stretching out to explore the world in different ways will help you grow tremendously as a professional.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal.