Job Locations: Should You Expand Your Search?

When we look for work, we usually browse job locations that are close to where we live.  It makes sense: Why would you want to work for a company that isn't in your area?  Cutting down on commute time can not only save money, but it can also buy you a little extra sleep.  Still, there are some advantages to expanding your job search to areas you would generally avoid.  This is not to say you should be looking for a job in Colorado while living in Florida, but it does mean you might want to consider looking for work that might have a commute longer than an hour.

Pros:

• You will be exposed to opportunities you would otherwise have ignored. 
• Your range of job choices will instantly be expanded.  Everybody on Earth knows we live in a tough job market, so the more options you have, the better.
• Some jobs offer the option to telecommute, so you might not even have to travel at all.  You should consider this option as you browse jobs that might seem far away.
• Being willing to travel farther than you might prefer will show that you are flexible.  It goes without saying that this is an important trait to have as an employee.
• On a personal level, it's a good idea to get out of your comfort zone once in a while.  You'll never grow, otherwise.

Cons

• Besides the "I don't want to drive that far" factor, there is the issue of money.  The longer you drive, the more gas you use; the more gas you use, the more money you are going to spend.
• Long commutes can lead to exhaustion.  You might not realize it, but driving back and forth five times a week can really take its toll on you; and don't even get me started on traffic.
• Being willing to travel far for work does make you appear flexible, but some organizations might not want to hire someone who would require a long commute.  This isn't always the case, so you should make sure before you apply.
• Going back to the exhaustion point, you are going to have to wake up much earlier than you might normally.  Depending on your personality, this might be a problem.

Most decisions in life come down to weighing the pros and cons, and deciding whether to expand your job search to other locations is no different.  There are probably some points I missed, so feel free to add your thoughts.  Personally, I would consider expanding your search, but it's not for everybody.