Hey guys, Looking for some advice from my fellow Californians! Last week, I was offered a position based out of our office in Fresno. I work in the produce industry for a major retailer on the east coast, and we have offices in both Florida and California. It’s a major step up as I will be groomed to run the office in a couple of years, and for the first time have people report to me. I have a lot of mixed emotions, happiness, sadness, anxiety, excitement, all in one. Very, very hard to think about leaving my family and friends here, but to me this seems too good to pass up. I have not officially accepted (i.e. sign any paperwork) but the process has been started. I will soon talk to HR about a relocation package, and initially my housing will be taken care of until I can find a place. Question is, where do you guys think I should look to settle down? I’m not going alone, it’s going to be my girlfriend (soon to be fiance) and I. We have two dogs as well, so that has to be considered. Doesn’t seem like Fresno is an option based off of what I’ve read. I really like Bakersfield, housing seems very affordable there and I’ll be spending a lot of time there as it is with it being a major growing region. I honestly don’t know where to look first, and I’m not too familiar with California. Also, for those that have relocated for work, if you have any advice for what I should be seeking in a relocation package, that’d be greatly appreciated as well. This also couldn’t come at a better time with LeBron going to the Lakers, and the Lakers being relevant again. It’s going to feel good being around other Laker fans for once! There are Laker fans all over even here in NYC but not many are as passionate as I am. I’ve only been to Staples once back in 2014, never got to see Kobe play there as he was hurt that year and the atmostphere was still great, so I can’t wait to see how it’s going to be this year!
Congratulations! I coached high school Cross Country many years back and the State Championships were in Fresno at a huge park there. Seemed like a pretty nice place, but dang, that’s now almost 20 years ago. Wish I could share more. On relocation, seems like packages are all over the map. Seems like the packing, moving, and potentially unpacking service is often included at no expense. I had a friend in pharmaceutical mgmt that had his company buy his house for market value upon relocation so they could immediately look for something else. Some companies offer a new position, and that’s it. You’re an asset to the company, and they want you there. You help them make money, and whatever numbers we think are big in our minds on relocation are dwarfed by the revenue of a company like yours. Hopefully you find the balance between being a team player and feeling appreciated, and it works well for everyone. Here’s a couple links that might help a little as you research this https://info.caprelo.com/blog/bid/104349/what-is-generally-included-in-a-standard-relocation-package https://www.moveline.com/moving-res...s-a-guide-to-negotiating-a-relocation-package https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizrya...ld-a-relocation-package-include/#6f10d5d81d24
Thanks Sirron! I’ve heard Fresno isn’t a good place to live, but at the same time I feel anywhere you go there’s going to be certain areas that are better than others. I’ll probably have 6 months or so to find a place. Great information on those links, much appreciated.
The majority of Fresno isn't a great place to live but there are some nice pockets here and there. Do your research, and if you can, try and check it out first hand, day and night.
Not gonna try to sugar coat it. I've been to Fresno 3 times, twice as an adult. The Panhandle is to Florida what Fresno is to California.
Good thing I just work there then! I have a choice on where to settle down. If you were going to be working there, what nearby town would you recommend?
Never been to Fresno or Bakersfield even though I’m from LA. Wish I could be of some help there, but I’ve been relocated a few times or gotten jobs that help with relocation. 1. Having a car out here is not optional for a convenient life. Mass transit in Southern California is s*** compared to NY, and everything is so spread out that I consider having a car a 100% nessecity. 2. A company might give you a signing bonus in order to get a car, move, etc when you explain the situation, but often at the cost of reducing your starting salary. That’s a bit of a trap. Sure they gave you a few thousand up front, but government taxes bonuses at around 40%. Also, and IMO more importantly, companies often take the signing bonus out of your pay and that can effect your income for years to come. For example if you would normally make 75k per year, but the company gave you a 10k signing/moving bonus, that bonus that you’d actually get in hand would be reduced to about 6k after taxes, and they’d take that 10k from your pay, so they only offer you 65k per year. You’re now working a job you should have been making 75k per year starting, for 65k per year, and it can take a very long time with incrimental raises and the hope of a promotion to get your pay up to what it should be. With all that said, try your best to find out how much people in that position make with websites like glassceiling.com and try to get as close to that figure as possible even with them giving you a bonus/moving stipend. It might still be worth it even if the company won’t budge on pay, but you should just be aware of the pitfalls if you do decide to take the job if they reduce your salary to pay for the move.
Not sure if you meant glassdoor.com. That is a great website for interviews, reviewing pay/benefits, and job reviews
I've been to Fresno many times. Not a nice place, even though it's a big city. Farm country surrounds it. No nice neighboring cities. Lots of drugs, crime and gang activity. For awhile it was the #1 place for auto thefts. Wish I had better info. Seriously, I'd be mad if I had to move there. I'd visit if possible before making a decision. As others said, day and night.
Thanks for all the info guys. John that basically aligns with what I’ve heard and read. How about Clovis? I’ve read some good things about that place.
“We’re promoting you, and sending you to Fresno” Sorry, after reading the comments, that thought popped in my head.
Fresno = high crime + gang problem Bakersfield = BAD air quality, very hot in the summer, but affordable housing (for Cali), and only 2 hours away from driving to see Lakers games.
Fresno is the hood. It seems like these cities in the boonies like Fresno and Bakersfield still didn't come out of the 90s. Its American Me and Blood in Blood out over there. Bald heads, Ben Davis, Cortez and southsider swap meet jerseys. I'm too much of a city boy to live in these places. Its either LA or NY for me (currently in NY). But again thats my preference theres plenty of people that love smaller cities. But Fresno, get ready to see more than handful of gangbangers like its 1989
Appreciate all the advice you guys have given me. Last few comments are hilarious! Unfortunately in the produce industry, Fresno is the perfect place to be. Centrally located between all major growing regions of various commodities. The good thing is, I don’t have to live in downtown Fresno! I’ve zoned in on Clovis. On the border of Fresno so it wouldn’t be a far drive to the office and everything I’ve read has it being a great place to live.