Think of the best ways to fast track your career. Further education and training or gaining experience on large, complex projects often come to mind first. But one of the most overlooked, and often unexpected, ways to advance your career is relocating to a regional area.
Today, an increasing number of Project Managers are swapping city life for a permanent move to regional or remote towns. Why? Because for many, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
Here are just 5 reasons why moving to a regional area can be good for your Project Management career.
1. Career development
There is typically less competition for roles in remote and regional locations. The pool of applicants is smaller than for highly prized city-based jobs, giving you a better chance of securing a more senior role with greater responsibility and autonomy. This alone will push your career ahead and make it easier to secure your next more senior role.
2. Salary benefits
Many companies offer a regional incentive or remote site allowance for roles based outside metropolitan areas. The exact figure varies based on each location, but the uplift can be as much as 20%-25%. A very nice addition to your salary!
3. Community and family focus
The move to regional Australia can be a great one for Project Managers with young families. Many relish the chance to become part of a smaller, close knit community where connections are easy to make and social and sporting groups are always keen for new faces. Rural and remote areas also deliver the obvious benefit of more open space and a relatively safe environment to raise kids.
4. Lower cost of living
Property prices are a clear win! There is no doubt rental and purchase prices in regional areas offer great value for money when compared to city living. Think four bedrooms, back yard and a pool versus and a two-bedroom apartment with no outdoor space for the same price. Childcare costs and a range of other services are also typically lower, which again makes a regional move appealing to families.
5. Less time away from home
While your role as a Project Manager in a regional area will not change, the amount of time you spend getting to and from work will. Commute times in regional and remote Australia are well below that of city-based roles. The latest annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey revealed workers based in major cities spend an hour a day commuting. Regional projects are typically located close to town centres, reducing the stress and number of hours spent getting to and from work each week. This leaves more time for you to enjoy with your family, in the community, or doing whatever you like.
For many Project Managers, the decision to move to a regional area can be a great one, both for their career and life away from the job.
We are big supporters of regional roles and our team here at Concentis work with employers of choice in a wide range of locations. Pick up the phone and chat with us today if you are thinking about a regional role and want to explore some options.
