You said you were willing to relocate on your job application, never realizing it would become a reality. Now you sit in your boss's office being told there is a position in another city that would be perfect for you. There are so many things to consider at that moment, but only important questions should be asked immediately.
This guide will prepare you with those questions ahead of time, so you are not taken off guard should your supervisor offer you a position elsewhere. Remember, you are the boss off your life, and you call the shots. Be prepared when the career ball is thrown in your court.
1. Is the company going to pay for my move?
Inevitably, your first and most important question to ask is whether or not there is any relocation assistance that will help you with the move financially. So much depends on your employer's answer, especially if you cannot afford to make the move. You have to assume that between the closing costs of buying a home, hiring a moving company and possibly renting a temporary residence while finding a permanent place to live is a matter of thousands of dollars.
Even if you pack and drive yourself and have an immediate place to move into, you still have to pay for the first month's rent and security, the cost of packing materials, rental of a moving truck, gas and lodging. With all those numbers in mind, it is best to confront your boss immediately about financial assistance.
2. How much will I be paid in my new position?
Why would you even consider uprooting your whole life to move to a new place where you will make the same amount of money? Not only does that not make much sense, it is irrational if the cost of living is higher in the community you are relocating to.
Of course if you are getting a raise, more responsibilities are going to follow those figures, and you are going to be expected to produce more. If this is the case, you must seriously consider your new duties and how much or little you will enjoy tackling them every day. If you are offered more money with responsibilities you will abhor, then you need to take a deep look at your future happiness instead of the numbers printed on your paycheck.
3. What are the benefits of relocating for this job?
When moving to a new area, your benefits might change. Make sure that you know what your new benefit package will be and what it will include. If your benefits were better at your current location, use that as leverage to either get better benefits or a high salary.
Be very thorough when discussing your benefits, you want to keep note if you are getting medical, dental and/or vision benefits. Also, if you have a family, they should be covered as well.
4. Is this move a good fit for my family?
You want to make sure that the area you are moving to is a good fit for your family. Be honest about what you are looking for in a neighborhood. If you have children, express your concern about schools in the area that they would be attending. If you have a spouse who will need to leave their own job, your company might provide networking and interview assistance.
5. How long until I can climb the next rung of the company ladder?
Whether or not you are asked to take a higher paid position or continue to fit the same job description, it is imperative that you ask how long you will be in that arrangement and what the next level is. You should know the company hierarchy and how you fit into it, specifically inquiring about how much time it takes to successfully advance if you meet all the expected requirements.
6. Would my commute be better or worse after this job relocation?
When moving to a new area, you want to express concern about how long your new commute will be. If you would be spending the majority of your day in your car, let your boss know that this relocation is not beneficial for you. Don't trade an easy morning commute for heavy traffic and long hours.
7. What does the company's future look like?
How much will it really matter that you rise in the ranks if the company is on the brink of destruction? After you ask about your own professional growth, ask about the business's future and where the company is headed in the next 10 to 15 years.
More importantly, ask about the company's past and how long it took them to get where they are now. Was business growth slow and unsteady or fast and even? The answers to these questions will give you reference points to reflect on when you are making your final decision.
8. What is the company culture like?
While the culture at your current job might be super laid-back, a different office under the same company in a different area can have a completely different culture. Ask your boss for an honest opinion, or speak with a team member in the other office to ask what they do and don't like about it. Talking to a current employee at the potential office will allow you to get a better feel of it.
9. What is the cost of living in the new area?
Even if your salary increases with your new location, the cost of living might increase as well. Taxes, the cost of goods and housing are all metrics you want to research. The cost of living in New York City is substantially higher than that of Savannah, Georgia. If you need to do more research on the cost of living between cities, use our calculator to make the process easier.
10. Can I return if I'm unhappy with the job relocation?
Though it will be the most difficult question, it should be queried. No matter how much money you are offered or where it is located, moving far away from your family and friends for job relocation may simply not pay off in the end. If this worst case scenario takes place, or you find yourself unhappy with other factors, what is the policy on moving back to your old office and obtaining your prior position?
No question is a stupid question
After asking your employer all these pertinent questions, ask more if you are so inclined. Your future is on the line. No matter how silly it sounds, ask any question that comes to mind. Once you have asked your employer all the questions you can think of, it is time to talk with family and friends about how they feel. There are also several questions you should ask yourself.
When considering job relocation, remain in control to make the most lucrative decision.