Can't find a job? Maybe it's time to pack your bags

If you're one of the millions of Americans stuck on the unemployment treadmill, unable to find a job, you're left with three choices:

• Continue to look for a work, competing with hundreds of folks in similar situations for each opening.
• Go back to school and find a new career with the hope you'll find a gig after you're retrained.
• Relocate to a part of the country where jobs aren't scarce.
  

For most people, the third option is the hardest and scariest choice, but it may be the only option. If your job prospects look slim and are considering moving, blogger Frugal Dad has listed 10 things you should consider before you pack up your U-Haul.

There are two ways you can go about the move: 

1. You can find a new job online, travel for your interview and move after accepting an offer.
2. You can take your chances and move to an area with a better job market in the hope that you'll find work after the move.

The second option is the more risky choice, but Frugal Dad says if you follow his advice, at the very least it will be a calculated risk.

"Moving to a new city without a job can be downright terrifying: You don't have a regular income stream, and you won't have as many friends or family nearby," Frugal Dad warns.

• Bing: Estimate your moving expenses

And there's one big hurdle that a lot of unemployed people will not be able to overcome: It takes a big chunk of change for most to pull up roots and move. Frugal Dad recommends at least eight months' worth of expenses, including deposits and rent for housing.

If you're lucky, you'll have friends and family members that can lend a hand as you get to know the city, explore the job market and find a place to live (or a couch to sleep on).  If you're moving to an area where you have no connections, several of Frugal Dad's suggestions can be boiled down to this: Get out of the house and meet people.

• Video: The world's best cities

Network, make friends, press the flesh -- that's how you'll find job leads after you move. Sitting in your apartment watching TV will get you nowhere.

Thinking about taking the plunge? You should check out the "Best cities for riding out the recession." And if you're on the fence, remember that moving expenses will likely be tax deductible.

Related reading:

• Alaska doesn't want you
• How to cope with job loss
• 1 in 4 must fight for jobless checks