Have to pay back relocation
I joined Amazon 4 months ago and so far things have gotten off to a decent start but last month has been a bit rough. I’m really worried about being put on a pip and losing my job. I don’t worry I can get another job but I relocated across the country for amazon. I was reviewing my offer letter and saw if I stay less than 2 years then I have to pay back relocation. Is this also the case if amazon gets rid of me? How do they come after me for this once they’ve let me go? I moved with my wife so my relocation is probably 20k+ and includes things like 1 free month rent (@4500), shipping 2 cars across country, lease termination fee reimbursement (@1700), packing and moving everything, relocation allowance (@1250), then paying for stuff they broke (@2000), spouse assistance (@1600), ect. Has anyone had any experience with this? Feeling a bit trapped.
Which team and why did things go downhill?
I obviously haven't read your contract, but if they let you go, I don't think you are liable for paying back relocation cost. It should only be applicable to people who decide to take another better offer right after joining.
Downhill in 4 months. Amazon is bad.
The legal verbiage almost always covers any reason, but companies in California usually waive repayment of starting bonuses if they terminate you to avoid drama. Not sure if that's true for Amazon in particular or for Washington in general. Haven't dealt with relocation but would imagine it's similar
I’ve heard from others that it is enforced, but I’ve never met/known anyone that it actually happened to. Best bet is to read your contract. Definitely something that could be waived in the right circumstances, ie your story would look bad in the press.
Just curious what happened in your first few months
Usually you only need to repay if you quit or are terminated for cause (e.g. grabbed someone by the p-ssy)
If you’re not worried about getting another job, have next offer letter include sign-on bonus that covers cost of amazon relocation.
This is solid advice OP. Several recruiters have offered bonuses that buy out my relo repayment. None have been the right fit yet and I'm not actively looking for a new gig, but if you have to bail, this might be a good option.
In my five years at amazon I hadn’t seen that happen (just left a few months ago). My bet is if you left after 3 months on your own they’d consider coming for it, but if they let you go, it’s terrible PR to come after you (and would impact future hiring). I had a team under me, this never crossed my mind.
Why did you leave?
Full disclosure: I'm not with Amazon, but I was recently relocated with my employer and I'm under a similar contract. Read the fine print (a case could be made that you should have read it before the move, but let's not add insult to injury). Mine seems similar to yours, and yes, if I quit or am let go for performance reasons, I have to pay back the relo benefits. Mine is only for one year. Double check the verbiage to be sure. I'm sorry it's been rough, but it sounds like it could get a lot rougher if you get axed. It may be worth really knuckling down to survive the incumbency period. Good luck.