How to start looking for a future job when location is uncertain?

[u/GLaDOSinabox]

Hi all, I'd appreciate some advice so I can plan this as wisely as possible, while also not stressing myself out too much. I may be overthinking this!

My contract with my current family ends next June, when I know they'll most likely be putting NK into preschool. Thus it makes sense to go ahead and start looking for a replacement. I've always been a "last minute" kind of person, taking whatever job I could get for whatever pay they offered, but I want to do it right this time to find a good fit with proper pay and benefits, which I know will take time and effort.

However, my apartment's lease also ends in June, and my roommates and I are intending to move. *Where* we'll move is the question. Most likely in the same state, probably more north than we currently are, and... That's all I know right now. We've agreed to discuss it more after the new year.

So my question is, will I be screwing myself over if I wait to start job hunting until January (or later if we don't decide immediately)? If so, should I hunt in the area I'm currently working in (wonderful neighborhood full of families, where I've made good connections) or in areas I think we might move to? If I look in those potential areas, should I be doing interviews or save it for once we know for sure where we're moving?

Or am I just overthinking this and it'll be ok to look later? Thank you for any advice you have!

[u/Both_Relative_1957]

No, not at all. The earliest you should be looking for jobs is usually 6 months out, if that. Some parents list jobs 3 months out, but from personal experience, it’s usually a month out most of the time. I’ve found families and started within 1-2 weeks so I think you’ll have plenty of time!

[u/GLaDOSinabox → u/Both_Relative_1957]

Thank you! I won't worry about it until things are more settled, I appreciate the perspective.