Boss dropped a bombshell to ruin my weekend...

[TTaM]

Alright, some background.

I started with my current company in February of 2007. I was hired under the premise that the company would put me through extensive training with the chance down the road that they would want me to transfer to a different city.

Nothing was put in writing, nothing was ever formalized.

Well, today at 4:45pm, my manager calls and says I should not renew my lease because the company wants me to transfer to either St. Louis or Minneapolis. This was not a complete surprise, but shocking none-the-less. They have not gotten approval to go over relocation figures, time frames, salary, etc, so they could not give me anymore details. My manager suggested calling his boss.

So I do.

I speak to him, and he could not give me much more information. I asked that if I am now unwilling to transfer if that means I now lose my job, and he could not answer that. He could not go over even rough figures yet, and told me I should wait until next week when they have some solid numbers to go over with me.

The biggest issue I have is that all of my friends and family live in the greater Chicagoland area, and I know no one in either city. My job is field based so I wouldn't even be able to develop friends through work. That, and my cost of living would go up, as all of my expenses are split 3 ways as I live with 2 roommates.

In the last year, the company has spent close to $100,000 in training me. I would like to think that they wouldn't want to lose me, yet they do not have any contract holding me to the company. I am afraid that if I leave the company, it will be on bad terms and my name will get out in the industry fairly quickly (it is small, and amazing how many people know each other)

Any suggestions? I still have not ruled out moving, but I feel that it will take a substantial pay increase to get me to do so (20%+), which will be hard as the company looks at my cost of living going down (when in reality it will be going up)

I did not need this stress right before a 3 day weekend.

[kevintb7]

being only 18 im probably not a good source of advice....
but dont worry about it have fun on your weekend and then when you talk about it on Tuesday then worry about it. And whatever he says say you have to sleep on it and then take some time to actually discuss your options. At this point you are just speculating what COULD happen.

[TTaM]

being only 18 im probably not a good source of advice....
but dont worry about it have fun on your weekend and then when you talk about it on Tuesday then worry about it. And whatever he says say you have to sleep on it and then take some time to actually discuss your options. At this point you are just speculating what COULD happen.

I was specifically told not to renew my lease as they need me to move.

They couldnt give any more detail. Plus, I am going out of town, so I need to worry about it now so I have a backup plan in case I need one.

[ginz111]

Matt I think you should check with similar companies in the area.  I would think they would jump at the chance to get a fully trained employee.  I think that you not wanting to leave your friends and family is a very valid reason to want to look for a new job.  I don't think that any potential employer would not consider you just because you did not want to relocate for your previous employer.

[TTaM]

My field is fairly small, and last night I checked and saw no postings on competitors websites.

I am going to wait to see how this will play out before looking for another job

[kickass95318ti]

sorry u had to hear this before ur 3-day weekend!!

would tellin ur manager or his boss that u don't want to move away from ur family make them reconsider?

[S POWRD]

would tellin ur manager or his boss that u don't want to move away from ur family make them reconsider?

What I was thinking. Usually people will understand for family. Especially if someone has "health problems" *wink, wink*

Otherwise how do you feel about that industry? I would want a job that if I were to get laid off, let go, or sick of the place I work be able to walk out of that door knowing that someone would gladly hire me within days of me leaving my previous job (why I'm going to the industry I'm going).

[TTaM]

I asked them if I cannot move does that mean I no longer have a job and they stated that at this time, they cannot answer that. I should know everything next week.

I really like the industry that I am in, and it wouldn't be that hard for me to get a job at another company but the issue is that my company is generally considered the one to work for. Best pay, best benefits, etc. All of my peers have fled our competition to work for us.

[LSixer]

Wow Matt, life changing opportunities come quick dont they?

If it were me, and I was similar to you, I would move. Your company sounds like the place to be, and showing your willingness to be part of the team as in moving to fill the needed gap will only make you more promotable.

Moving away from friends and family is never easy, I cannot imagine having to do it myself. That said, Im 44 and have four kids all in school here, and my wife would be unable to follow me.

One thing that I would keep in mind at this point is the stagnant job market. It would appear that despite your skills, most people are still at the will of their employers. Thats a sad fact of the current economy. Please do keep us posted as to what happens.

Adam