Contracts and moving- the battle in my mind!

Asystole RN · Jul 27, 2016

I would be highly surprised if you received a sign-on bonus or anything of the like without specialized experience or skills. You will have to run the compensation to cost of living analysis but I suspect it will be adverse, especially a lateral move considering the relocation costs. Depending on whether you moved your belongings or just sold and purchased replacements in Washington will have a profound impact on your expenditures, regardless it will be several thousand either way.

That being said I would be surprised if the hospital enforced the contract, I know of people who have broken it without issue but also those who have had to pay.

In the end you will not be moving because of a fiscal advantage, it will be for personal pleasure. Only you can determine how much your personal pleasure is worth. $10k for a lifetime of happiness is cheap IMHO.

dishes, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2016

Have you done a full cost benefit analysis? How much are moving expenses? what is the cost of living in washington? what are the job prospects, starting salary? Do you have enough saved to pay off the contract and to start over in a new city?

Jolie, BSN · Jul 27, 2016

I'm sorry that you are unhappy with your current situation. You must weigh the pros and cons of breaking your contract, moving to a new area, starting a new job and new life. No one here can possibly know how your current employer will react, how a future employer will receive you or what your tolerance will be for the financial, social or practical aspects of such a change.

I am a former nurse manager, currently a hiring manager in a different field and the mother of 2 young adults who will soon be making decisions similar to yours. Please accept my input as it is intended: to help you think about your choices and encourage you to think beyond the immediate term.

First of all, you have a contract. Undoubtedly it spells out the consequences of failing to complete your agreed-upon term of service. I encourage you to read it and be prepared to accept what is written. If you agreed to a monetary payback of $X for leaving after a year, expect to owe your employer that full amount of money. While it is possible that they will choose not to collect, don't count on it. They invested a significant amount of money in your degree and on the job training, and per your contract, they have a right to a portion of that money back if you do not fulfill your obligation. It's nothing personal. It's their responsibility to hire and train your replacement, and that costs money. If you don't have the money or aren't willing to be in-debt to them, then breaking the contract isn't a good idea. Might you be able to find a new job that would be willing to pay your debt as a type of hiring bonus? Possible, but unlikely. Most positions have multiple applicants. It is not likely that a new employer will be so determined to have you on their staff that they would be willing to pay your debt, but should you get a job offer, you can certainly ask.

Secondly, I am concerned about your statement that you hate the location where you currently live and hate the people there. I assume that you must have had a somewhat favorable impression of your area and your fellow citizens when you accepted and started your current job. Most people don't voluntarily choose to start a life in an area they dislike, and you don't mention a spouse or other circumstances that forced you to locate here. So I encourage you to thoroughly examine what you are looking for in a community and a job, or I am concerned that you will find yourself equally miserable in a new location a year or two from now. I'm glad that you have heard from others who are happy on the west coast, but please don't mistake that for a guarantee that you will also be happy there. I can assure you that it is NOT the longitude and latitude of their home that makes them happy. It is a sum total of family, friends, health, professional challenge, financial comfort, connectedness, independence, educational opportunities, and many other factors that are specific to each individual.

Lastly, please understand that while sounding chiche, it is absolutely true that the first year (and really two years) out of school are the most difficult for new professionals. Every workplace has its strengths and weaknesses. You acknowledge that there are some good points to yours. Please make sure that you are evaluating it and any other potential employer objectively and candidly. It is easy to see green grass on the other side of the fence. That grass often turns brown upon closer inspection. Might it be possible and worthwhile to focus on gaining everything possible from your current employer while taking a year to plan a move under more positive circumstances?

Best of luck to you whatever you decide.

marywhale · Jul 27, 2016

Thank you to everyone who has already replied, I am so thankful. I took a job in the city I have been in for half my life because my mom was in a bad divorce and I know she needed my support to help her and my little sister who is 13. I had the license in WA when I graduated because I knew I wanted to go there but just seeing their suffering made it difficult. I was also just recently in a relationship for 2 and a half years with someone significantly older and who has taken very good care of me but now as I have been working and going to therapy and a physiatrist I am sure that this is not the life I want to live. He already has teenage children, his own agenda and I want to travel and live like "younger" person again (I am 23).

I have about 31k saved up so I could easily make the move. My bills are my car payment, insurance, gas, phone bill (800$) and then rent and food which I am sure will add up in the Seattle area. I also have an Italian Greyhound who would move with me.

I want to continue working nights. I forgot what my friend said last year (he worked at Auburn Hospital) but the pay I thought was about 3-4$ more of what my new grad pay is. So if this is true that would be nice. My friend left his contract there and works closer to Seattle now so I am sure he could help me get a job again.

Jolie- you mentioned about the grass is greener syndrome and that is something I worry about. That has been a reoccurring topic between me and my recent exboyfriend. I just wonder if it would be the same with this as well. Though I have despised Sarasota since I was 9 years old, maybe I am just being too critical. I just hate dumping my time and money into a town I never liked, lol! I also do not want to disappoint my manager.

Thanks again everyone !

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 27, 2016

It sounds as though you would be able to 'buy out' your own contract if you had to. FYI, my organization DOES enforce employment contracts for new grads, but they are pro-rated, payoff-wise. From your description, you also have a support system available in Seattle who would help you with your transition to the new place. So, it looks as though you are pretty much good to go. One caveat.... make sure you have a job in Seattle lined up before you move. The employment environment up there is still pretty grim. Having a BSN & specialty certification will increase your odds of employment.

Best of luck to you - time to cut loose and fly.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2016

Seems to me you should either live up to the commitment YOU MADE or pay the financial penalty you agreed to when you signed the contract. Nothing you've described at your current job justifies breaking your word imo. Basically you have the doldrums, and there is no guarantee you would be going into something better if you left. A year goes by pretty quickly in reality.

If you are that determined to leave, it sounds as though you certainly have the cash on hand to live up to your part of the bargain.