Executive Re(location) Strategy

Executives ..... How do you think about location for your next role?

Generally relocation isn’t recommended

We generally don’t recommend relocating for senior leadership roles.

• It is hard to uproot your family, moving schools and houses

• With more two-income householders, it is less common for senior candidates to have a spouse who’s willing / able to uproot themselves

• Communicating that you are open to relocation can (to some hiring managers) suggest desperation (if you are open for a unique reason to a specific place, that is great to communicate)

• The average GTM exec roles last just 17 months

On the flip side… relocation can send a good signal to companies looking for commitment.

“I'd always listen to the relo oppty. Whether you ultimately choose to accept that offer, well, that's another story.”  Alan Stein

A short list of reasons to relocate

Relocation should be reserved for:

• You are in a 2nd tier city today and are moving to a (tech) hub - if you are planning on moving anyway, we recommend just listing the new city on your LinkedIn profile to begin with

• An opportunity to join a breakout company

• Working directly with an amazing CEO who you have spent the time to get aligned with

• Working with someone you’ve worked with previously (which minimizes risk)

• You will be leading a satellite office / sales team.  This is a common pattern to hire “an adult in the room” when opening second offices / international locations.  

💡 If it’s “just another VP role,” don’t move your family for it.

If you do relocate protect yourself upfront

If you do relocate, here are some key strategies to ensure if it doesn’t work out you are protected:

• Secure a relocation package with downside protection (e.g., if you're let go in <12 months, company covers move back)

• Ask for more comp in base or sign-on to offset relo risk

• Have a clear “family exit plan” if it doesn’t work out

• Only move to a tech-hub where if it doesn’t work out there is high-density of other top companies

Be realistic about the odds of success with commuting

Many roles don’t require in-person and are open to frequent travel.  Given the prevalence of video plus a salary that justifies a reasonable travel budget, it’s not hard to do 1 week to 2 weeks in person rather than relocate.  

More companies are open to “commute until we know it’s working” than you might think.

But while commuting sounds low-risk, there are downsides too

• More time away from your family

• Perception within company that you aren’t fully-in

“I’ve seen a lower success rate for senior people who commute to their job in other cities. “  Top Recruiter