When to tell firm I don’t want to relocate?

I have a verbal offer from a good coverage team at a strong middle market firm. All that’s left is ironing out details with HR.

The firm has a big NYC office. Most senior bankers on the coverage team are based here. But I’ve been interviewing with guys in a vertical based in a regional office. I’ve told them I’m open to relocating, but as I seriously reflect on the idea, i really don’t want to.

Question: is it worth asking them to let me work out of the NYC office? are you aware of any precedent for this sort of arrangement? The firm and coverage team would be a step up from my current situation, so I’d rather not lose the opportunity entirely. Please help me avoid moving to westbubblefuck. Tyia.

 

I've seen this arrangement in the following scenarios:

1. long-tenured employee who has to move for personal reasons (family) - allowed to work remote/from different office so they don't lose them
2. revenue-generating D or MD with most of their clients in that region

Not very common for juniors to get this type of exemption. Having people from your group helps, but if most of the juniors are elsewhere you are making their lives difficult by essentially being a remote employee.

It's worth asking but I would do it sooner than later, and consider if you are willing to lose the offer or not over this. A soft "I'm currently in NY, would the team be open to having me sit in this office?" is fine but it sounds like you don't have other offers so don't die on that hill.

 

Ah, the classic relocation conundrum! It's a tricky one, but let's navigate it together.

Firstly, it's important to be honest about your preferences, but timing is key. You don't want to spring this on them after you've accepted the offer. It's best to bring it up when you're discussing the offer details with HR.

As for precedent, it's not uncommon for employees to work out of different offices, especially in today's increasingly remote-friendly work environment. However, it really depends on the firm's culture and policies.

Here's a potential approach:

  1. Express your enthusiasm about the offer and the team.
  2. Then, mention your preference for staying in NYC due to personal reasons.
  3. Ask if there's a possibility to work out of the NYC office, even if it means frequent travel to the regional office.

Remember, it's a discussion, not a demand. The worst they can say is no, and then you'll have to decide if the opportunity is worth the move. Good luck!

Sources: 7 Tips on Reneging, I need your advice, Need to move to a different PE firm before even starting, Interview Q: "Why not move within your firm?"

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