Relocation not paid?

[Jor El]

Hi, I joined up not too long ago with the anticipation of getting some opinions.

I've been offered a job at my hometown paper, which is around 2,000 miles from where I currently am located. The paper is offering about a grand more than I'm making now, but they're refusing any kind of relocation.

Looking at Uhaul prices, I'm guessing it'll take close to $3,000 to move. If I can't sell my house within the next three weeks (they want me there by April 9), I'll have to take out a loan just to pay for the move.

Would it be unrealistic to turn it down simply because I don't want to go into more debt (I already have a few credit cards and two car payments for myself and the wife)?

Edit to add: If you're curious, I was offered a job as a cops reporter.

 

[shockey]

yeah, i'd tell the new place to stick it.

 

[Ace]

I wouldn't make that move for a grand. Maybe if you wanted to get back home or something it's worth it to you.

I would twist whatever you can out of the hometown rag before you give up. Maybe they can't do relocation but they can do some kind of bonus or something.

 

[Starman]

Hi, I joined up not too long ago with the anticipation of getting some opinions.

I've been offered a job at my hometown paper, which is around 2,000 miles from where I currently am located. The paper is offering about a grand more than I'm making now, but they're refusing any kind of relocation.

Looking at Uhaul prices, I'm guessing it'll take close to $3,000 to move. If I can't sell my house within the next three weeks (they want me there by April 9), I'll have to take out a loan just to pay for the move.

Would it be unrealistic to turn it down simply because I don't want to go into more debt (I already have a few credit cards and two car payments for myself and the wife)?

Edit to add: If you're curious, I was offered a job as a cops reporter.

Even though you have been raised as a mortal, you are not one of them.

Essentially, the new paper wants you to pay $2,000 for the privilege of working there. Unless you're currently working at some JRC hellhole or some other dungeon of death, I'd pass it by.

 

[Riddick]

yeah dude. you're getting screwed. is this a promotion? a gig you'd prefer over your current job. Cause it sounds like a lateral move at best. Only if there are more opportunities with this new gig, that's the only way I'd make that move.

 

[shockey]

one more thing: they're obviously squeezing you. if they can't cough up the moving expenses, how strong of an operation can they be? they'll screw you at every turn. don't bluff 'em. tell 'em straight up that no moving expenses means no you.

 

[Ellis Redding]

I personally don't get why any company wouldn't pay relocation. It can be written off as a business expense, so most of it will come back to them anyway. Greedy ****ers.

 

[outofplace]

I agree with the others. If you really want the job but can't afford to do it at the price they are offering, very politely tell them that the offer does not work for you, but thanks for the offer.

Sometimes turning down the job can get you the offer you want. If not, hopefully you find something better.

 

[SoSueMe]

I paid for my own move across the country just so I could work at a paper "closer" home. It was (sort of) a promotion, but not much of one.

I've since moved on (probably worth a post on "shortest stint thread"), but I'm still regretting the move financially.

I probably could have stayed put and got the job I have now and saved myself one move.

But, I'm older, wiser and more experienced. But was it worth the $3,500? Probably not.

 

[alleyallen]

And from our good friends at the FBI is this advice...

"NEVER pay upfront for any job opportunity (they’re supposed to be paying you!) and never forward, transfer, or wire money to a prospective employer."



And not to make too much light of your situation, but I'm in agreement with everyone else about how you should proceed.

 

[Write-brained]

JE, I'm sure there's a temptation to be close to home ... especially if you have kids ... but don't sell yourself short.

If you do change your mind, call them back and tell them you just can't afford it.

 

[FileNotFound]

No. No, no, no, no. Paying relocation is a cost of doing business. If they're not willing to pay the costs of doing business, you're taking a big risk in going there. Those are the kind of places that "lose" your expense reports for three or four weeks.

There would have to be some pretty compelling personal reasons to get me to move without relocation being covered.

 

[Write-brained]

Hope you didn't quit your current job yet.

 

[BYH]

Even though you have been raised as a mortal, you are not one of them.

Essentially, the new paper wants you to pay $2,000 for the privilege of working there. Unless you're currently working at some JRC hellhole or some other dungeon of death, I'd pass it by.

Sounds like he's just been hired by the JRC.

 

[slappy4428]

Depends how badly you want to work at your hometown paper.
If you grew up there, you know what it's about -- warts and all. If doing that is worth eating the relocation costs -- tho you get to deduct it off the taxes -- go ahead.
What price is the move home worth?

 

[Jor El]

My wife and I had a long talk, and we both talked with our parents as well. They've been through this just like us.

We've decided that it's financially irresponsible. The salary they're offering will match what my next raise in my current place will be. I can't justify laying down nearly $4,000 for a moving truck, gas for the truck, moving two vechicles (which can't tow a trailer), and hotels for a four-day drive.

We don't have kids, but since we both work at the paper, we don't make a ton (as you've probably guessed).

Haven't quit the current job, or even let them on, so I'm okay. The place isn't JRC, but it is privately owned.

Thanks to all of you for the advice.

 

[Tom Petty]

My wife and I had a long talk, and we both talked with our parents as well. They've been through this just like us.

We've decided that it's financially irresponsible. The salary they're offering will match what my next raise in my current place will be. I can't justify laying down nearly $4,000 for a moving truck, gas for the truck, moving two vechicles (which can't tow a trailer), and hotels for a four-day drive.

We don't have kids, but since we both work at the paper, we don't make a ton (as you've probably guessed).

Haven't quit the current job, or even let them on, so I'm okay. The place isn't JRC, but it is privately owned.

Thanks to all of you for the advice.

milk that call back to hometown paper for all it's worth. you have your mind set and are in the position to milk them for several grand. management can be flexible if they want/need you.

 

[Ace]

My wife and I had a long talk, and we both talked with our parents as well. They've been through this just like us.

We've decided that it's financially irresponsible. The salary they're offering will match what my next raise in my current place will be. I can't justify laying down nearly $4,000 for a moving truck, gas for the truck, moving two vechicles (which can't tow a trailer), and hotels for a four-day drive.

We don't have kids, but since we both work at the paper, we don't make a ton (as you've probably guessed).

Haven't quit the current job, or even let them on, so I'm okay. The place isn't JRC, but it is privately owned.

Thanks to all of you for the advice.

If the parents live in the hometown and you plan to have kids anytime soon, the move may be worth it in babysitting savings alone.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

If you want the job, take it...

If you don't, let it pass by...

Is it cheap on their part? Absolutely, but unless you're working for one of the top papers, most will not pick up the entire tab. Based on what I've heard, if you get as much as $1-$2K, you're not doing too badly...

I was lucky, when I left my last gig, they sent movers in who handwrapped everything I own, even things that weren't worth the time or the care... I had old plastic cups from college that I keep pens in on my desk... They were wrapped like they were fine china...

 

[Ace]

I was lucky, when I left my last gig, they sent movers in who handwrapped everything I own, even things that weren't worth the time or the care... I had old plastic cups from college that I keep pens in on my desk... They were wrapped like they were fine china...

Yeah, but it was the paper getting rid of you that sent the movers.