LEARN ABOUT AUSTIN, TEXAS
You may find yourself lodged in a hotel
or temporary housing until your belongings arrive, and that’s a nice opportunity to
become familiar with Austin. Austin Relocation Guide is the perfect place to start
learning about what this wonderful city has
to offer. You can also find additional information at the Austin Visitor’s Center, hotels/
motels, the airport, and real estate offices (see
the Helpful Websites sidebar below).
A walking or bus tour, while fun for the
whole family, actually serves to help you
become acclimated and learn about the city.
You can also visit local points of interest
such as museums, parks and exhibits; enjoy
a concert; and try out restaurants featuring
local cuisine. Check out any services,
activities or organizations that are of particular interest to your family.
SPOUSE CAREER
CONSIDERATIONS
One of the biggest challenges of moving
is relocating a “second” career. If you, as a
spouse, are transferring your job to a home
office, then a computer, telephone, e-mail
account and fax machine may be all that you
will need to get started. However, if your job
was not “portable,” you might consider a new
career, part-time or temporary employment,
or perhaps even start your own business.
Evaluate your skills, accomplishments and
greatest strengths when you are planning
your next endeavor. A few resources to tap
are your spouse’s employer, local organiza-
tions, real estate offices with “Partner Career
Assistance Programs,” independent career
counselors, your university/college alma
mater and, of course, the Sunday edition
of the local papers. If you are searching for
a job, start networking by telling those you
meet that you are looking.
If you have chosen to take a break from your
career, consider volunteering your time and
talent. Volunteering to a charitable organization is a wonderful effort as well as a way to
meet new people and learn more about the
community. Volunteer activities add depth to
résumés, but the experience needs to be documented so that the service equates to business
expertise. Before you again become fully
employed, use any free time to enjoy your new
community. Refer to the Advice for Volunteers
website for guidance in selecting a volunteer
position and Monster.com for spouse assistance in the Helpful Websites sidebar.
SUCCESSFULLY
RELOCATING YOUR
SMALLEST MOVERS
The majority of relocating families have
dependent children. If you are moving
with children, you probably researched
schools before moving; however, personal
school visits will transform the unknown
into reality. Visits to new schools to survey
the classrooms and meet teachers will go a
long way to allay your, and your children’s,
worries about the new environment.
Listen carefully to each child’s concerns—
every move can bring new issues to the
HELPFUL WEBSITES
American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org
Monster.com www.monster.com
American School Directory www.asd.com
National Association of Child Care www.naccrra.org Resource and Referral Agencies
Elder Care Locator www.eldercare.gov
American Animal Hospital Association www.healthypet.com Hospital Locator
Advice for Volunteers www.serviceleader.org
