Should I ask my boss at my new job to push back my starting date because of apartment moving issues?

Question

2 weeks ago I accepted an job offer that will begin my career. I interned with this company before, so I have established good relations with the employees.

After accepting the offer, we set my start date to this Monday, Feb. 12th so I'd have time to find a place. But after a long, frustrating apartment search, I realized that the good deals with a Feb 1st lease are rented but there are plenty of great places starting March 1st. So I ended up finding a great deal, but won't be able to move in until March 1.

Now I am thinking about what I'm going to do for the 2.5 weeks. I've considered staying in a hostel or rotating around friends couches. Both of these options are do-able, but my parents have suggested that I should just ask to push my start date back to March 1. This would be great, but I'm worried about making a bad impression. I don't want it to seem like I don't reallywant to work there. Do you think I should listen to my parents or do you have other suggestions

Answer 1

I would first explore other options... How long of a commute is it from where you are at now? Why not offer one of the "friends" some rent money and stay the whole 2.5 weeks, instead of rotating from couch to couch. You might want to consdier the hotel idea--you can ask what a weekly rate is...make sure you get a kitchen unit otherwise you will need to eat out 3 meals a day. Do you have any family in the area you might be able to stay with for the 2.5 weeks? I strongly disagree with asking to push the start date back, even if you have interned with them...they may not look to kindly on you wanting "time off" already, and just might replace you before your propsed March 1 date. It just doesn't look good to change your mind about a start date after it is agreed upon. However, you may have an option of the alternate start date, if on the day you were hired and interviewed you told them about your moving issues, they may reconsider and give you the extra time.

Answer 2

Hi there, I'm a recruiter and I can tell you that it's a bad idea to try and push back your start date that far. One or two days is OK, 2.5 weeks is not. First, you accepted already, so you'll be going back on your deal as their first impression of you. Second, you expect them to wait for what seems to be an entry level employee to start? No offense, but if this is starting your career you have different negotiating leverage than a Vice President. It's unfair but true. Stay with friends, get a hotel, do whatever you have to and get to work when you said you'd be there. There were probably other candidates they could have offered the job to, who could start on time. I've often had to skip candidates because they couldn't fill a fast hire position. Don't risk starting off on the wrong food. 2.5 weeks will go fast, hopefully your job will last a lot longer than that.

Answer 3

If you had asked for more time a week ago , it would have been better.

In my opinion , if you can be at work , on time , properly dressed etc , you should stay with friends or a hostel and start when you arranged.

If thats not possible call your new boss , TODAY , and explain that you were not able to get an apartment until March 1. It may cause him more work to rearrange your start time , so be polite.

If you are moving a considerable distance that may be in your favor.

Answer 4

well, most would probably disagree with me, but for myself, if I hired someone new, I would prefer to hear that you need to postpone (and ask if it's possible, some jobs have an immediate need) and do so than I would have you start, begin training and then have you gone for your move and then begin the training over again.

Call your new supervisor and explain the situation, don't whine, just be matter of fact and see what conclusion you can agree upon.

This will also show your supervisor that you're comfortable discussing potential conflict, which he/she should appreciate.

good luck

Answer 5

I love it when that happens! And I say that to no one in particular because I am not chatting. That's just something I like to say to myself every now and then.

Answer 6

do the couch thing till you get moved in. possibly the new landlord will you move in sooner if the apartment is empty right now. this will help them and you.

good luck