I signed with a startup in sf and I feel really played right now... they gave me 5k for relocation expenses but i learned afterwards that it only covers a one way economy flight. It doesn't even cover a security deposit for rent or the uber from SFO. Is this common? Why give me 5k when I can't spend it on anything?
Keep in mind also that your in hand will be 3k after taxes if your relocation is not “grossed up”
You did agree? So why did you agree to such a number without any research? You played yourself.
Fight back; I joined a start up 2 years ago. They were super cheap when hiring me which I took as responsibly managing scarce resources... I learned later people were getting sign on bonuses, 40% more than the base salary they were told “was the max they could go”, 2 months of rent, etc. You will quickly learn all start ups are hustling in all fronts, hiring the toughest one, so if you see there’s something wrong w your relo package, fight back and threaten not to join them.
No need to be hostile. It's all about how good your negotiation skills are.
Yes, this is one of those scenarios, tell them you can't afford relocation if they won't help you, be ready to drop the idea of joining them.
Agreed; signing an offer doesn’t bind you (nor them) to anything. They can rescind your offer before you join or you can walk away... either scenario would be sad and for $5k something your future employer, if smart, might want to avoid. If they aren’t willing to give on this, you are probably dodging a bullet by not joining.
Research and itemize realistic moving expenses, send them the list, and tell them the total $ value of what you need to relocate. And see what they say. If they really want you, they'll cover or at least see you halfway.
Sue them for being cheap. Oh wait, that’s you.
Do you live on the Moon? 5k is too much for any economy flight
Buy the ticket, buy everyone around you a drink on the flight, then expense it.
Have you given notice at your last job yet? Do you really want to work at this place? If you answered no to both of those I’d not only renegotiate the relo, but also have some long outside the office 1:1 lunches with your potential future coworkers. This could be a quirk off the place, or a huge red flag. You’ll end up eating the flight cost if you don’t work there (night anyways if you don’t stay), but it would be a good investment if it prevents you wasting a year of your life.
You likely won't even get it until 2-3 mo the after you join them.