Visiting new job location with spouse
I am anticipating an offer of a job that I interviewed for today. The job is in a different city where my spouse has never been, so she would like to visit the area before we make the final decision about whether to go there. The new job is far from where I live now, so they flew me there and I did not have an opportunity to take her. I will need time to travel to the new city with my wife before having to accept the offer. Based on what I have seen so far, they will want me to respond quicky to an offer. What is the best way to buy myself some time? Should I explain the situation to them or just tell them I need an entire week to decide, but not specify the reason? Thanks in advance for your advice.
I would say just explain ur situation "As a new job is going to affect everybody in the family, you would like to go for a collective decision" . Ask for some time so that both of you can fly. And don't forget to look for things like poperty taxes, neighbourgood,schools if u have kids etc....
I can identify with your situation; I was in a similar one with my husband a few years back. I'd never been to the area in which he was offered a job, and he'd only been there the one time. We made a fast dash out to there for a 2-day stay, which included meeting with a Realtor and having her show us some homes, as that was a big concern, along with schools and general quality of life. That trip made us decide we did not want to relocate to that area. I would be 100% truthful with this company--explain you cannot make a decision without a return visit with your wife, that you will fly back out with her at the first opportunity, then give them a decision once the two of you have visited there. Then get back out there as soon as humanly possible. Since this is so far away from where you live now, you must not make the decision until both of you have checked out the area. If they will not accommodate this reasonable request, pass on the job. At least that's what I would do. Obviously you don't demand that they agree to this, but simply make the statement, as politely and tactfully as you can. Do not "ask" if you can, because what will you do if they say no? You're a professional, you have skills they clearly want--don't be afraid to be straight with them. This is a decision the two of you must make together. If we had gone out to the area I referenced above, I think we not only would not have liked the area, it would have presented huge logistical family issues for us. Best of luck!
I would agree with Anne_Marie and ad that if the company can't give you some time to do that, you probably don't want to work there.
Just be honest about your situation and explain that since accepting the job will require a move to a city neither you nor your wife are familiar with, your wife needs the courtesy of a visit there before making a final decision on their generous offer - assuming they make one. Maybe I wouldn't phrase it just that way, but just tell 'em you'd like your wife to visit the city before making a final decision. I think they'll understand that - they might even fork over a couple of tickets for the visit. Believe it or not, in the majority of instances it's the spouse who tips the scale one way or the other when a major move is involved, and employers usually know that. Paul W. Barada The Negotiation Expert | |
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