Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Asked to Relocate? Questions You Should Ask Your Employer

Have you recently been asked by your employer to relocate?  If you have, you are facing a decision that more individuals are finding themselves faced with each year.  With many companies finding it difficult to survive in high cost living areas, many are choosing to relocate to areas where it is cheaper to operate a business.  Additionally, with companies downsizing, you may be asked to take a job in another location to avoid being laid off.

If you find yourself being asked to relocate, there are a number of important questions that you should ask your employer before officially making your decision.

One question that you will want to ask concerns pay.  As mentioned earlier, many companies are choosing to relocate to areas where it is cheaper to operate a business.  This often involves lower pay for employees.  Be sure to confirm what impact this will have on your pay.

Another question involves your current position.  Is this a lateral move?  Will you be performing the same or similar functions to your current job, or is this a completely different job?  Of course it will be important that you find out as much as you can about your new position before you decide to uproot your life and the life of your family.

A related question involves inquiring about your expected duties. As previously stated, many companies use relocation as a way to save money.  This may also involve eliminating positions and having the remaining employees carry a larger workload.  If you would be expected to perform more duties, you may want to negotiate a pay change at the same time.

You will also want to find out about relocation expenses – will the company cover them, and to what extent?  Most employers will notify you upfront if they plan on assisting you with the cost of relocating, but, if not, it will be important to find out what the cost out-of-pocket will be to you and factor that into your decision.

In addition to asking your employer the above mentioned questions, you will also want to take the time to learn as much about your relocation destination as possible.  You will want to look at the cost of living compared with your current location.  If you have children, you will want to examine the local school districts.  If you have a spouse, you may want to examine the current job outlook, to see if they would be able to find employment in the area, too.

Making the decision to relocate for work is never a simple one.  Can be exciting and full of opportunity, and at the same time feel a little daunting.  Be sure to ask whatever questions will help you feel comfortable that you are making the best choice for you and your family.

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