Bluemoon77 wrote:Hello,
It seems like a 2-year contract is pretty typical. My concern is signing a contract of that length when I haven't been able to see things and meet people in person. I have also had a hard time finding objective opinions about the company that I plan to work for (it is a rather small and fairly new company). Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is it worth trying to negotiate for a 1-year contract?
If I break the contract, I need to pay back my relocation package pro rata, and I am not able to seek employment with another company associated with my field for 3 months.
Thanks so much for your help!
First, if it is a "rather small and fairly new company" you can forget about any enforcement of 3 month rules and what have you... they simply will not have the resources or the time to pursue you... and they'd be on shaky legal grounds anyway.
Second, I'd propose to them a 1+1... 1 year contract with extension to 2 years if certain criteria are met.
And three, before I'd sign anything, I'd see what you are getting into. My company is small. I'd want you to know exactly what you are getting into. I would not fly you over to see if you want to work for me. Therefore, unless you are willing to take at least a one year risk, you need to pay a visit. Meet your boss. Meet her/his boss. Gauge the company and the clientele.