Dave Says: Lost Job and Might Need to Move

Dear Dave,
The job I have currently is about to be phased out, and I’m looking at two other offers. The pay for both is the same. One is short-term, nine months to a year, and it has a per diem so I wouldn’t have to move. The other job would last much longer, but I’d have to move and that would throw me about $3,500 further into debt. This company acts like it doesn’t want to help with the moving expenses, but I think I’d like the job better. What do you think I should do?
-- Michael

Dear Michael,
I’d move. And I’d also try to negotiate the heck out of this company and get them to foot some of the bill for the move.

If you’re valuable enough and they like you enough to want you on their team, then I’d use that as a negotiating point before accepting the position. Tell them that you really want the job and you’re excited about it, but the only thing holding you back is $3,500 in moving costs.

You never know until you ask, and at that point, they may kick in $1,000 or so to make it easier for you to decide!
-- Dave