[Maynard]

Work out ahead of time what the cost to cover your needs are.

You can always respectfully ask them what their standard moving expense / signing bonus compensation is. Have your number ready if they say they don't do it or that it's a case by case basis. Be prepared with a number but also be prepared for a 'none' answer.

As many have suggested, move directly onto salary, trying to pad that and don't go back to this subject if it's a 'none'.

Being that the economy is going to be taking an even bigger shit in the coming year or two, you do have to consider that it's better to have a good job than it is to worry about / haggle over the little things (lease buyouts and commute expenses, etc).

If you think they'll be slightly jovial about it, just ask them when you get to go and pick out your company car. (say it with a smile)

I'm going to do some numbers tonight. I'll figure out a relocation dollar amount that would cover me. And I'll also figure out a req'd sallary amount that cover the commute.

I think the big advantage I have is the fact that I'm not looking for a job. I actually really like my job and all the people I work with. If I ask for what I would need to make this change worthwhile, and I get turned down. I'm no worse off than I am now, and I really have few complaints about where I am now. So walking away from the offer wouldn't be then end of the world

 

[Arch]

I'm going to do some numbers tonight. I'll figure out a relocation dollar amount that would cover me. And I'll also figure out a req'd sallary amount that cover the commute.

I think the big advantage I have is the fact that I'm not looking for a job. I actually really like my job and all the people I work with. If I ask for what I would need to make this change worthwhile, and I get turned down. I'm no worse off than I am now, and I really have few complaints about where I am now. So walking away from the offer wouldn't be then end of the world

Very glad to hear it put that way (I probably missed those technicalities skimming over the thread).

In other words: You've got nothing to lose and everything to possibly gain if they want to really have you Lucky position to be in. :cheers:

BTW, I got my first '95 3000GT with the 'when do I pick out my company car' question after some investors expressed a 'concern' about a key person having to commute on a motorcycle to work :lmao:

 

[G2G]

I know this has been mentioned before but sub lease your place if you can. But first talk to your landlord and see if they would break the lease. Even with a penalty you will be better off. That commute will get old REAL quick.

 

[Drama]

Dont waste their and your time with commuting expenses or lease buyouts. Talk salary and nothing else. You need to decide what's those inconveniences are worth to you.

I completely agree. Use the concerns you have to justify a signing bonus or higher salary. By saying you want something that may be out of the norm like "them paying your lease" it's harder for them to get that approved internally.

They are coming to you, so you DO have negotiating power. Calculate out what it will cost for you to make the change (moving costs if needed, monthly fees for gas difference in what you are driving now, ect) and present it to them when they make you an offer. If it's a one time cost to you ask for it as part of a signing bonus. If it's a re-occurring cost ask for that to be added into your salary.

 

[ill_ag]

you might consider asking them to hire you as a dedicated contractor. Get a DBA and then you can write off your commuting expenses along with several other things. You'll probably have to get your own heath insurance, but you still can save $ operating as your own company. I'd suggest using a tax accountant if you go this route though.

 

[jimzx9r]

That commute is awful. I basically had to do the same drive a few weeks ago for work, Joliet to Rockford...nearly took 2 hours. This was early in the afternoon, not even rush hour.

 

[Maynard]

I do appreciate the help guys. I think I'm going to try to play the relocation cost as a signing bonus.

The person I've been talking to is aware of how long of a drive it would be for me and he seems eager to help. I'm waiting on some moving quotes now. I won't lie to them. I'll tell them the salary I'm looking for and tell them I would need to relocate closer to Rockford, (which would be bennifical to both ITW and myself). Therefore I would need X amount as a sign-on bonus to cover my relocation expenses.

Its not like I have a ton of stuff to move. Single guy with a 1 BDM apt. I doubt a company of their size would flinch at a couple hundred dollar sign on bonus so their canidate could relocate closer to the job.

Subleting is out of the question and so is the commute. 99 miles 1 way. Either I relocate closer or I'm gonna stay put.

 

[ill_ag]

also, most people don't really know how easy it is to break a lease. a lot of the added fees that they say they will charge you for early termination can't be collected anyway. more often than not you can walk out with 30 days' notice and not lose any more than your security deposit. the less you say the better when it comes to these things.

 

[Drama]

I do appreciate the help guys. I think I'm going to try to play the relocation cost as a signing bonus.

The person I've been talking to is aware of how long of a drive it would be for me and he seems eager to help. I'm waiting on some moving quotes now. I won't lie to them. I'll tell them the salary I'm looking for and tell them I would need to relocate closer to Rockford, (which would be bennifical to both ITW and myself). Therefore I would need X amount as a sign-on bonus to cover my relocation expenses.

Its not like I have a ton of stuff to move. Single guy with a 1 BDM apt. I doubt a company of their size would flinch at a couple hundred dollar sign on bonus so their canidate could relocate closer to the job.

Subleting is out of the question and so is the commute. 99 miles 1 way. Either I relocate closer or I'm gonna stay put.

I think you have the right idea. Don't lie to them, just make an accurate list of the expenses for the change. Just an FYI, signing/relocation bonuses for about your level job a usually a couple thousand. So don't be too conservatively when estimating your expenses if you think it's only going to cost a few hundred.

 

[Maynard]

also, most people don't really know how easy it is to break a lease. a lot of the added fees that they say they will charge you for early termination can't be collected anyway. more often than not you can walk out with 30 days' notice and not lose any more than your security deposit. the less you say the better when it comes to these things.

Yeah, I'm not too worried about breaking the lease. I'll lose my security deposit, but I'll just figure that in to the new salary.

I think you have the right idea. Don't lie to them, just make an accurate list of the expenses for the change. Just an FYI, signing/relocation bonuses for about your level job a usually a couple thousand. So don't be too conservatively when estimating your expenses if you think it's only going to cost a few hundred.

Thats the plan. I'm not looking to milk the system. I'll have my numbers of what it would cost me to relocate. Plus my lost security deposit. And a few bucks more for my trouble. If they say no, then oh well. Back to Franklin Park. Nothing lost

It will be nice to have someone move for me. I've always done it with buddies and a pick-up truck. But if it's on someone else dime, I'll pay someone to do it. Especially in the middle of winter.

 

[G2G]

Eric if you need help moving let me know. No worries brotha

 

[jimzx9r]

Subleting is out of the question and so is the commute. 99 miles 1 way. Either I relocate closer or I'm gonna stay put.

99 miles is just too much. 1k miles a week...so much money for gas and you would be changing the car's oil all the time. If it snowed, there is just no way you could get there in time.

 

[Drama]

It will be nice to have someone move for me. I've always done it with buddies and a pick-up truck. But if it's on someone else dime, I'll pay someone to do it. Especially in the middle of winter.

Definitely factor that in movers your costs. Whether you have a 1 br or a mansion it's a fair expense to ask them to cover. Then feel free to pocket the cash and do the mover yourself.

 

[ill_ag]

My last move was completely covered and it was totally worth it. It cost the company about $10k, and I only relocated a 1bdr apartment 3 hours away. Don't minimize the value of a move.

My company doesn't offer "signing bonuses" but they do offer "relocation expenses." The relo package is different at different levels. That is why in the end when they were discussing what pay grade/title to bring me on as they ultimately decided to go with the higher one because it had a relo package with it. Make sure you talk to a knowledgeable HR person as wel as your hiring manager. The HR person will know the system, and the mgr will be able to appropriately communicate your worth. A lot of times, HR will say no to something because you didn't call it the correct term and they don't think beyond that.

In my experience, you come to the table with a well-thought out plan that has logical justification and people will be more willing to help you out. Don't just guess what a move will cost you-- get it on paper and bring it with you. And, bring alternatives (for example a local mover vs do-it-yourself)....and be prepared to justify the alternative of your choice. No one will fault you for wanting a mover in the middile of winter....but they likely will expect you to make the case. They're not just going to throw money at you without your having requested it.

And remember, you said it yourself-- it's a good company with a good repuation. If that is true and you really are a good fit, this will all work out well. Good companies tend to do right by their people, and when you fit with their culture it's easy to work through these things. good luck

 

[jimzx9r]

My last move was completely covered and it was totally worth it. It cost the company about $10k, and I only relocated a 1bdr apartment 3 hours away. Don't minimize the value of a move.

How the heck?! Did you move via space shuttle?

 

[ill_ag]

How the heck?! Did you move via space shuttle?

they sent a national moving company, it was over new years, they insure the hell out of everything, it included the MC and truck, also covered water/power/internet/cable hookups, 2 house hunting trips for me, apartment deposits.... it was a big budget. Basically it's a $10k signing bonus, but they call it "relo."

 

[Maynard]

How the heck?! Did you move via space shuttle?

No shit! :laughing:

Moving looks to be about $600.
$750 for my lost security deposit

I'll call it an even $1750 total for me to relocate.

I think thats more than fair. If they could find someone in Rockford to fill the position, they wouldn't be calling me. Good luck finding someone with a wife and kids who is willing to relocate their family out to the boonies

 

[Dirtbiker]

No shit! :laughing:

Moving looks to be about $600.
$750 for my lost security deposit

I'll call it an even $1750 total for me to relocate.

Be a stud and call it $3750. Boxes aren't cheap, something always gets broken, pizza and beer for helpers, etc, etc, etc.

 

[KBOlsen]

The level of the position will most likely determine whether relocation assistance is available (and what kind). As an employee, the best bang for YOUR buck would be if the company treated it as relocation, rather than a sign-on bonus. Many companies will mitigate the tax impact of lump-sum relo disbursements, leaving you whole at year-end (and you can still deduct all of your non-reimbursed expenses). Sign-on bonuses are taxable at the cap gains rate.

 

[Arch]

The level of the position will most likely determine whether relocation assistance is available (and what kind). As an employee, the best bang for YOUR buck would be if the company treated it as relocation, rather than a sign-on bonus. Many companies will mitigate the tax impact of lump-sum relo disbursements, leaving you whole at year-end (and you can still deduct all of your non-reimbursed expenses). Sign-on bonuses are taxable at the cap gains rate.

Cap gains rate? That's what? 10/15% ?

I thought it would fall straight through as normal income (usually ends up being a higher rate).