Have you ever considered a stint in the bush? Regional and rural areas are regularly seeking people for positions, sometimes for a shorter-term stint. You’ve probably seen such roles but likely have just let the opportunity slip by.
But consider this: a government study found the following factors as to why people choose to live in rural/regional locations rather than a large metropolitan/coastal city:
Professional reasons:
- More career development and advancement, as often opportunities were presented that would not be as readily available to people in large metropolitan centres.
- A greater ability to gain deeper knowledge and experience in a chosen field, as well as greater scope for career progression
Personal reasons:
- The friendliness of a country town, where people are more welcoming, provides a real sense of community and the lifestyle people seek.
- Regional areas enjoy similar facilities to metropolitan. “Everything you need is here without the commute.”
- The richer family life: good schooling; sports facilities; cultural facilities; a vibrant range of activities.
- A better work/life balance. Working in regional and rural means there is more time for family and to enjoy life in general.
- Rural areas offer more friendly, welcoming communities and a relaxed way of life: people are helpful; neighbours are friends; most people are involved in their communities.
Financial reasons:
- For people employed on a state or national salary scale, working in rural areas, with a lower cost of living, provides a financial benefit.
- There is no long, daily commute, with all the associated costs, time and hassle.
- Housing is so much more affordable: whether buying or renting, people are much better off without the enormous mortgage.
- Entertainment is cheaper.
If you are from a metropolitan/coastal city, there are three key aspects for you to explore and consider:
- How would your financial position alter if you accepted a senior role in a rural area where:
- Your income was maintain or increased, but costs of living went down;
- You retained your current home/property, but rented it out to assist with the mortgage; and rented a home in a rural area (Consider speaking to your accountant.)
- How will your home life benefit by experiencing the sense of community rural living provides?
- How will your career thrive because of the leadership experiences a senior appointment would provide?
There is an interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald today (click here to access) which explores such a move. The downsides of a move were seen as being the typical drop in salary; and the cost of buying again in a metropolitan area if later you decided to return – neither of which applies to an education or community sector person who retains and rents their city home and rents for a stint in the bush.
Next time you see such a position advertised, perhaps you should more carefully consider the opportunity?
See also an article about where to head bush for a family home on a huge block for $400,000
