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Author Topic: Office Relocation  (Read 11385 times)
SunnieG
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« on: January 27, 2011, 05:43:42 pm »

You currently live 7 miles away from your work.  You have been advised that the office is closing and moving to another city 50 miles from your home.

Have you experienced a similar situation?  What did you do? 

What would you do?

Any thoughts or advice?
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jojo71
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« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2011, 07:32:20 pm »

I once worked as Exec Asst for VP of a construction company and we went wherever the job was. For about a year it took me about 5 min to get to work every day. Then we moved and it took me 20 min. Then we moved later and the new location was 30 min. Although it was kind of a pain, I was just happy to have a good paying job, so I just went with the flow. You just need to decide if it will cost too much in gas now, or if it just absolutely will not work for your schedule (picking up kids, etc). Otherwise, I'd stay.
Jo
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gee4
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« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2011, 08:02:15 pm »

It's one thing to apply for a job 50 miles, and it's another if your company is moving.

I would weigh up the addition travel and petrol costs.  Does the extra travel make your day longer?  Are you going to have to leave home earlier each day to avoid rush hour?

I would not apply for a job that far away but suggest you consider the options before making a decision.
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SunnieG
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« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2011, 09:06:03 am »

One hour's travel per day becomes at least four, therefore up earlier and home later and upsetting a good work/life balance. 

Not to mention the huge increase in travel costs!
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gee4
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« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2011, 09:40:11 am »

I just typed a response to you and lost it because of the errors on this website -

http://www.deskdemon.com/dnet/index.php?board=3.0

The website declined to show this webpage
 HTTP 403 
   Most likely causes:
This website requires you to log in. 
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I will pm you instead.

Third attempt now!
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gee4
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« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2011, 09:54:49 am »

Susan,

If you are considering leaving, here are some things to consider -

- When is your company relocating?
- Do you have time to update your CV etc?
- Can you relocate with them and hang on until you decide what to do?

Have you considered flexible working hours or working from home one or two days per week?  In my company we can start any time between the hours of 7.30-9.30am and leave any time between the hours of 4.00-6.00pm.

Jobs are hard to come by these days so why not inquire about some of the suggestions I have made and take time to consider your options.  You will also have to give notice if you leave, so remember that too when making your decision.

Let us know what you decide.
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JessW
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« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2011, 12:45:13 pm »

 Sad

Susan

Happened to me, with a difference.  My Department was moved from the City of London to Croydon and I was asked if I would be prepared to move with the Department.

As I was living at the time 5mins down the road when I was originally asked and the new travel time using transport that would not cost 20 times the the current level would have meant 2hours to get to work and 2hours to get home every day, I said it was not feasible to expect me to do that and pay for the privilege.

I then moved out of London.  Then travel took me 1hr each way (which I did not mind too much) with the new Croydon office travel would have still taken 2hours each way, so again said not feasible etc.

I was mad redundant!

Gee's points are well worth considering, however also speak to HR and/or your boss too!  They can't help you if they don't know there is a potential problem!

Jess Wink
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Katie G
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« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2011, 06:29:56 pm »

I would say you have to listen to your head and your heart together on this one.

For your head:  sit down and come up with a spreadsheet listing the costs of the move, as suggested by other posters.  Changes in living expenses, changes in commute, whether you rent or own your home could be a big factor -- if you own, could you sell without losing your equity?  Would it sell at all in this economy?  If you rent, how long are you locked into a lease, if at all?  Would your employer assist at all with moving expenses or is that all on you?  Would they provide some kind of temporary housing if necessary?  What's the job market where you are currently?  What are the chances you could get another job where you are?

For your heart:  Are you close to family/friends where you are?  How will a 50 mile move affect those relationships?  Do you have children?  What about their schools?  (In the US, public school districts can vary widely in quality from location to location and the local school distric is a major decision factor for a lot of families with children.)  Can you live with four hours of your day being taken up with commuting?  (as one who can easily spend up to 3 hours a day, a guaranteed 4 would send me over the edge!)  Do you have parents who need your help occasionally - or more than occasionally? 

I had this happen to me many, many years ago. I didn't move because I did not make enough at the job to pay for the extra gas, wear and tear on my car, increased tolls, increased taxes, etc.  BUT, I had an opportunity open up that was more money and closer, so for me it was a no-brainer.  Your situation may be far more complex. 
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SunnieG
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« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2011, 06:49:35 pm »

Thanks everyone, appreciate your comments.  Lots to think about, will let you know what happens.
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gee4
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« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2011, 12:24:30 pm »

Susan,

Any update or feedback?
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SunnieG
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« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2011, 01:06:57 pm »

Hi Gee,

Had a very brief chat with my line manager last week and was advised to follow up with an email.  Have done so but as yet no response!

Will let you know what happens.

Susan
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gee4
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« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2011, 01:17:51 pm »

Ok so you have put something in writing now.

What it the timeframe for the move?
Is your employer expecting everyone to relocate?
Have they had consultations with the workforce?

If you don't get a response within 5 working days, follow this up and at the same time, request a f2f to discuss the matter, with a view to ascertaining your options.

Repeat the process until you get a resolution.
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SunnieG
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« Reply #12 on: July 04, 2011, 03:25:54 pm »

Well after viewing the new premises and careful consideration of the "travel support package" I have decided to take redundancy. 

Can't believe it's taken so long to get to this stage and I have still not received my formal notice!

My colleague on the other hand has chosen to travel to the new premises on a trial basis.  How that's going to work I do not know as we are the only 2 members of staff in the office on a permanent basis. 

Surely they can't ask me to work in the new location whilst I work my notice?
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gee4
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« Reply #13 on: July 04, 2011, 03:33:56 pm »

I hope all goes well for you.

If you have indicated you are not relocating, then your employer will need to make arrangements so your redundancy can start from a certain date.

During my last redundancy, I got the details of my package and left the same day and was allowed something like 7-10 days to read over the details before accepting them.  You are not normally expected to work notice these days so you may be given 'garden leave' immediately.

On another note my boss has just informed me he is to take early retirement, but assures me my job is safe.  In what capacity that is, I have no idea until more details are revealed.
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peaches2160
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« Reply #14 on: July 04, 2011, 08:32:48 pm »

Let us know what the outcome is. 
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