Moving across the country for a job is not something unheard of. It does, however, change your life in a pretty significant way. In many cases, the employee leaves his home, social circle, and material belongings behind. So it’s comforting to know you won’t have to worry about at least one thing – your job.
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Sadly, this is not what happened to the author of this story. This Redditor went on to r/AntiWork to share his story of how his company possibly tricked him with constructive dismissal. His work demanded he move 1,700 miles, but then, after he already made the plans, informed him that the position was no longer available. To make sense of this, the Redditor asked other netizens what to do.
Bored Panda reached out to the Redditor who shared this story, and they were kind enough to answer a few questions.
We also asked the organization development consultant and author of Work Jerks: How to Cope with Difficult Bosses and Colleagues, Louise Carnachan, to weigh in on the situation. She told us more about what employees should be aware of so that the same thing doesn't happen to them.
Moving for work means uprooting your whole life: renting out your current home, booking temporary housing, and selling personal items and furniture
Image credits: Michal Balog / unsplash (not the actual photo)
So when this man made a full commitment, the shocking news from his employer was less than pleasant
Image credits: Headway / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Ketut Subiyanto / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: notmydayJR
People were quick to ask the OP whether he had the work correspondence in writing
The OP told Bored Panda that he started looking for a lawyer, but it's still too early to tell how it'll work out
The author tells Bored Panda that he decided to share his story on Reddit to vent his frustration and anger. "It's disappointing that they make the unilateral decision to transfer me, making the demand that I move based on their schedule, and then remove the position less than a day after the initial start date," u/notmydayJR says.
When we start talking about his transfer, the Redditor says there wasn't much he could do when he got the news. "I didn't have much of a choice and resigned myself to what might develop later."
"I wasn't keen on moving at this time of year, as I am currently in Northern [British Columbia], and any relocation would involve [hundreds] of miles through mountain terrain. We are currently experiencing winter [so] driving conditions and road conditions are hazardous. Driving a large uHaul while towing a car is not ideal," the Redditor explains.
As for an update, he doesn't have any breaking news as of yet. He has, however, taken the advice of fellow Redditors. "I have reached out to an employment lawyer," the author admits. "However, I am not interested in paying a $350 CAD consultancy fee at this time and will be shopping around a little more."
Communicating sensitive information such as a layoff through an email shouldn’t be the norm
Work relationship expert Louise Carnachan says that companies should never lay off employees through email. "Email is great documentation for a conversation afterwards, but it's not the conversation," she points out.
"There should have been a face-to-face meeting (preferably in person, [or] virtual, if necessary) to discuss what happened and what the next steps would be. In their haste, insensitivity, or cluelessness, the employer broke trust."
"Whether it is written or not, we expect to be treated fairly and compensated as agreed for our labors. Employers expect that employees will perform duties as assigned. When one side of the understanding goes awry, trust is broken, and it's difficult to move forward in good faith."
Image credits: August de Richelieu / pexels (not the actual photo)
The author of Work Jerks says employees should get all the details about their relocation before the move
Louise says that if other people worry something similar might happen to them, they should boldly ask questions beforehand. "Clarify who is paying for what and get all your questions addressed up front," Carnachan says.
"Ask for multiple meetings if that's what it takes to get it all sorted. You can ask for (but may not get) assurance that the employment offer will be valid for a reasonable amount of time to make the move worthwhile. Vagueness to your legitimate inquiries is a red flag."
Carnachan tells Bored Panda that companies cover relocation expenses for executive-level jobs mostly. Others should be very cautious. "What is attracting you to the new position?" Carnachan suggests asking yourself.
"Most of us expect a bump in pay, title, or growth opportunity to go through a move. Ask yourself if this [is] where you'd want to live even if the new job doesn't work out. Give yourself time to assess whether the new position/team/manager [is] a good fit by considering ways you might relocate in stages."
"Examples would be offering short-term rental for the home you own or subletting your apartment, leaving the majority of your stuff in storage, or, if applicable, having [your] spouse and children stay put until the school year is finished."
"Ask to be part of meetings with your new team and manager in advance so you can get to know them, and they you," Carnachan goes on. "There's nothing worse than showing up on the scene and realizing you don't fit in. In the end, the decision to relocate is on you, so make sure you do your research and know this is where you want to be."
Support and advice for the OP poured in from the commenters
