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My company was recently acquired by a multinational corporation. Knowing that all IT was managed from corporate headquarters. I was concerned that my job was on the line. After inquiring directly with corporate I was assured my existing position was secure and I would not need to move, but 6 months later reality sets in and the rumor mill indicates I will soon be asked to move to HQ or look for greener pastures. So I ask SN, should I consider a move to an area with a higher cost of living (and under what conditions) or should I start the job search?
The twist: my significant other works in a different division of the some company, so it has been made clear that both of our salaries are affected by this decision.
There has to be oodles of experience in the community with what typically happens to staff subsequent to a buyout / merger / acquisition - any gems of wisdom?
Original Submission
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Runaway1956 on Saturday July 18 2015, @07:40PM
What I can tell you is, GET IT ALL IN WRITING! I've seen a few people relocate, only to be laid off or fired within weeks or months after arriving at the new location. Get everything in writing. And, get your moving expenses up front. And, hire a company to do it for you - don't give your employer a week or more of work for free by moving yourself.
GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING! Your precise position and responsibilities, the name of your supervisor, get all the little bitty details. Get your working hours in writing, if that's important to you - if you can't stand third shift work, get it in writing that you are 9-5 or whatever. Size of office, company vehicle, details, details, details - get every damned detail that applies to your position. Need some kind of help in locating then renting/leasing/purchasing a new home? Put it in writing. If nothing else, get it in writing that the company will pay for hotel/motel until you are installed in your new home.
And, if things don't work out, can you afford to relocated yourself back to where you came from? Or, will you be stuck in some god-awful city that you hate?
Get everything in writing, then understand that the whole damned thing is just a gamble. The new bosses don't give a damn about you, and your loyalty may be terribly misplaced.
(Score: 2) by VLM on Sunday July 19 2015, @11:52AM
And, get your moving expenses up front.
Look out for "soft downsizing" or whatever the exact HR phrase is.
What you're describing is corporate figures they gotta fire everyone or most people anyway, and estimate it'll cost $10K to move, so they offer like $2K expecting everyone to bail, but inevitably theres some guys with their own truck or few possessions or maybe corporate just plain old failed to estimate well, so after they move, HR has to downsize them because they weren't supposed to move for $2K or whatever.
As for general advice, found out repayment clauses (like if you are no longer employed in 6 months you have to pay it all back even if they fire you?) also always rent unless you've got amazing local advice or you might end up in some rathole you need to move out of.