In a recent Reddit post, a user said their employer cancelled a internal job transfer after asking them to relocate 2,000 miles. The cancellation came after the employee gave up housing and sold their stuff, for the move. The post has sparked discussion around relocation risk and employer responsibility.
How the promotion was offered
According to the Reddit post, the company approached the employee in late January about an internal transfer tied to a new project. The role came with a promotion and a salary increase.
They initially went with February 15 as the start date. However, after discussions, the start date shifted to March 15 to allow time for relocation. “They wanted me to start on February 15th. That’s barely two weeks to get my entire life in order,” the user wrote.
The user said the employer agreed to begin the relocation process. “Everything seemed to be going smoothly,” the post stated. According to the user, the company confirmed the transfer and began relocation-related discussions without any written withdrawal or conditional warning during the period.
Steps taken to relocate
After receiving confirmation, the employee began preparing for the move. “So I jumped right into it,” the user wrote. “I gave notice on my apartment, booked a large moving truck for the trip, found temporary housing for the first month and paid a deposit,” they added.
The user also rented a storage unit in the destination city. They sold most furniture and personal belongings to simplify relocation.
At the same time, the employee said the company removed their existing position. “My old job? They had already ‘eliminated’ my previous role in preparation for the transfer,” the post said.
Job cancellation and fallout
The situation changed suddenly. “Then this morning, I got a very blunt email,” the user wrote. The message cited “unforeseen budgetary constraints” and stated the position would no longer be filled.
The timing created immediate consequences. “My lease is ending and my apartment has already been promised to a new tenant,” the post said. “So now I’m basically jobless and about to be homeless, all because I trusted them.”
The user added that no alternative role was offered at the time of cancellation.
Legal response and next steps
In an update, the Reddit user said they are preserving all communication. “I’m copying all of that, sending it to a private email of mine, and backing everything up,” the post stated.
The employee believes they may have a promissory estoppel claim. “I took clear, demonstrable losses based on their demands,” the user wrote. An employment lawyer consultation is planned, the user informed.
Meanwhile, the user said they are updating their resume and attending interviews while seeking legal advice.
