Backstory I joined my current company 5 months ago. I work remote from a city in the uk and my office is in London.
I rejected the same job offer a year before joining due to uncertainly about relocating (they were home based at the time but could not give me timeframe when I’ll be expected to move; also had surgery around that time and decided I didn’t need the extra pressure at the time)
I was invited to interview for the position again and got an offer 5k better than last year. I was concerned however about having to relocate. Just when I joined everyone was going back on hybrid basis.
I asked HR straight away back in March about my situation and what does that mean for me as my contract for renting expires end of October.
Initially I was outraged when I got an email about asking to go minimum twice a week when I live 3. Hours away and it costs £200 for the train journey. I managed to get a deal to work remote for the time being with “occasional” travel. I’ve been going from my own will once in 4 weeks.
Time to move is approaching and I can’t stomach it.
Everything in the uk has gone up 25% in the last few months, gas & electric going 80% up in a months time. They keep prompting when I’ll move- this will cost me 5k which I don’t have and I already feel like I earn same as my old job after inflation. I don’t understand how I am supposed to be okay moving with this wage and more importantly why is it needed? I have been in the office once a month and it makes zero difference. Why do companies expect me to move my entire life just for the sole purpose of going twice a week to “stay consistent”. Those are the words put in the email at the time of my hiring. I was asked to go twice a week from end October to “keep consistency”. For context I’m nearly 30 and rent plus bills will be taking more than 2/3 of my income. That excludes food. The company is top notch in the industry and this is considered very good prestigious position.
I feel terrible because I know I signed up for this but I didn’t sign up for bills I can’t pay and tension in my relationship due to financial strain. I think very highly of the person who hired me and don’t want to let them down but I feel the sacrifice is way too much. Why are we expected to work for fame?
Or if they want me to live in area of the office why aren’t they matching their salary offer with this. I am gutted because I like the work and the people.
I am about to have a difficult conversation this upcoming week. Advise welcomed