New JobAssist research suggests that some workers are folding relocation research into leisure travel, using trips to check local job markets and, in some cases, pursue roles before deciding whether they would move.
For workers considering relocation, the job search and the move itself can now overlap well before either becomes final. Vacancies are easy to research from a distance, recruiter conversations can happen remotely, and a trip can give someone a closer look at the costs and practical realities of a place they are considering as a home. That creates room for relocation decisions to develop while someone is still formally traveling for leisure.
JobAssist surveyed 3,650 employed adults across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia who had taken at least one leisure trip within the past two years. The survey found that 39% had used at least one vacation to seriously consider whether they could live and work in the destination.
Among those workers, 57% had looked at local vacancies or salaries in their field while planning the trip or during their stay. That behavior moves the trip beyond simple destination research: the local labor market has already become part of the decision.
The survey also found that 36% had applied for at least one job in the destination before or during the trip, while 24% had taken a recruiter call or participated in a job interview while they were there. At that point, the possibility of relocation was already affecting real job-search behavior, even though no move had yet been decided.
The intent was not always obvious to the people sharing the trip. Among workers who had taken such a trip with a partner, friend or relative, 28% said their companion initially believed it was simply a vacation and did not know how seriously they were considering relocating.
Travel could also weaken the case for moving. 48% said at least one trip had made them less interested in relocating after they compared local salaries and housing costs with the realities they encountered while staying there. The result suggests that visiting can expose practical drawbacks that are harder to judge from a distance.
Salary did not settle the question for everyone. 34% said they would consider accepting lower pay if the trip convinced them that their overall quality of life would be better in the destination. The figure shows that some workers are willing to consider a financial trade-off when assessing whether a place fits the life they want outside work.
The survey captures a relocation process that can begin before there is a formal plan to move. For some workers, checking vacancies or speaking with a recruiter is already part of evaluating a destination, while the trip itself can provide enough information to either sustain that interest or end it. A leisure visit can therefore become part of the decision long before a relocation becomes concrete.
About JobAssist
JobAssist is an AI-powered job search platform that brings job discovery, personalized matching, applications, and tracking into one place. It helps people find relevant opportunities, understand which roles fit their profile, prepare tailored applications, and apply with less repetitive work. The platform provides access to personalized AI-validated matches, 1-click auto apply, AI-personalized cover letters, a job board, and one place to track applications and emails from recruiters.
Media Contact
Harriet Venter
PR Manager
JobAssist.com
pr@jobassist.com
JobAssist surveyed 3,650 employed adults across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia who had taken at least one leisure trip within the past two years. The survey found that 39% had used at least one vacation to seriously consider whether they could live and work in the destination.
Among those workers, 57% had looked at local vacancies or salaries in their field while planning the trip or during their stay. That behavior moves the trip beyond simple destination research: the local labor market has already become part of the decision.
The survey also found that 36% had applied for at least one job in the destination before or during the trip, while 24% had taken a recruiter call or participated in a job interview while they were there. At that point, the possibility of relocation was already affecting real job-search behavior, even though no move had yet been decided.
The intent was not always obvious to the people sharing the trip. Among workers who had taken such a trip with a partner, friend or relative, 28% said their companion initially believed it was simply a vacation and did not know how seriously they were considering relocating.
Travel could also weaken the case for moving. 48% said at least one trip had made them less interested in relocating after they compared local salaries and housing costs with the realities they encountered while staying there. The result suggests that visiting can expose practical drawbacks that are harder to judge from a distance.
Salary did not settle the question for everyone. 34% said they would consider accepting lower pay if the trip convinced them that their overall quality of life would be better in the destination. The figure shows that some workers are willing to consider a financial trade-off when assessing whether a place fits the life they want outside work.
The survey captures a relocation process that can begin before there is a formal plan to move. For some workers, checking vacancies or speaking with a recruiter is already part of evaluating a destination, while the trip itself can provide enough information to either sustain that interest or end it. A leisure visit can therefore become part of the decision long before a relocation becomes concrete.
About JobAssist
JobAssist is an AI-powered job search platform that brings job discovery, personalized matching, applications, and tracking into one place. It helps people find relevant opportunities, understand which roles fit their profile, prepare tailored applications, and apply with less repetitive work. The platform provides access to personalized AI-validated matches, 1-click auto apply, AI-personalized cover letters, a job board, and one place to track applications and emails from recruiters.
Media Contact
Harriet Venter
PR Manager
JobAssist.com
pr@jobassist.com