[Chandler]

So I have an interview at a CPA firm tomorrow. The thing is, I’m relocating about 4 hours away this coming Dec due to my husband’s grad school program. We just found out where we’d be moving yesterday, (I agreed to the interview last week).

Anyway, is it unethical/wrong for me to not tell the interviewer that I will be moving away in 6 months? I obviously want to do the right thing, but I’m afraid I won’t get a job if they know they’ll have to replace me so soon. ALSO, I keep thinking about how anyone could quit a job 6 months after starting for reasons like health, family, just not liking the job, etc. Thoughts?

[r00shine]

honestly, this might not sound super ethical but if it was a large (national/big4) firm, i wouldnt tell them. They experience turnover all the time and you leaving at the end of the year wont have much of an impact on them. and who knows, things might change and you might be able to stay at your current city or ask for a transfer to a closer office. If it was a small CPA firm where you leaving after 6 months could really hurt them, I would tell them up front.

[itooshallpass]

I would tell them. You're right how it's not uncommon for someone to leave unexpectedly after 6mo, but since you already know you'll probably have to, I think it's only right to say so up front, and something big such as what your husband does is likely to come up in conversation anyway. On the other hand, I kind of agree with r00shine, there may be some grey/wiggle area if it's a big firm where things aren't real personal… but if it were me I would probably still tell them.

[Chandler]

Unfortunately, it is a small firm. I don't know for certain but I'm estimating probably no more than 10-15 employees. Also, they are already aware that my husband is in PA school here because that was discussed when they called me to schedule the interview. They actually asked how long the program was and I told them he had 2 years left but did not mention the move since again, I didn't know for certain where we would be placed at that time.

Based on all of this I don't think I can avoid (or feel good about avoiding) the move situation tomorrow. Thanks for your input!

[Recked]

Eh, this is a tricky one. I'm a firm believer in karma or whatever you want to call it.
You are going to eat time and resources of the firm for the first year or two as they train you and get you up to speed.
You run the risk of getting a poor reference from them, or worse. I would be up-front about it. Perhaps they have a short term role that would not require a large investment on their end that could result in a mutually beneficial relationship that will work out for everyone involved and pad your resume and list of references. Or maybe you have a skill set that would require no training and you can hit the ground running with them for the 6 months you are there?

Chances are not in your favor but I'd rather be honest and keep looking if it doesn't work out.

[jdub]

I would tell them if you are offered the job – but not in the interview. We move frequently for my husband's job and it's something I'm always up front about. (Frequently is every few years).

But since you know it's 6 months depending on your situation you might be able to negotiate more of a temporary situation that maybe doesn't include benefits – but a higher salary if that works for you and your family so there could be benefits.

[Author]

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