A Tough Day

Today was a tough day at work. We got called into an early group meeting and our Prez made an announcement that some of the buying functions will be re-locating to Hong Kong, specifically the Watch & Jewelry, and Liquor & Tobacco teams.

About 4 years ago, our CEO, CFO and a team of execs relocated to HKG and established an executive office there. Since then, there had been an array of speculation that the SF merchandising office would soon move there. Years have passed and rumors soon subsided. But today, the news surprised us all. They are moving 2 out of the 4 categories to HKG.
What struck me hard are 2 things:

(1) Not too long ago (10 months to be exact) I WAS in the Watch & Jewelry team, which means if I HAD been still there, I could possibly (a) be asked to relocate to HKG, or (b) get laid off.

(2) Now that I am NOT in that team and unaffected by this move, I lose all my old friends and collegues. They will all be leaving soon and I am just so sad!

This is perhaps the 3rd major relocation announcement since I've been with the Company. Each time, the affected department is the exact one I WAS previously in. I don't know if I'm considered the "lucky one" who get spared of the relocation/lay off or the "unlucky one" who cursed the department.

The topic of the day is "would you move?" To be hired into our company, the first question the recruiter asks you if you are relocatable? If you are not, then you will automatically not pass the HR round. Yep, it is that simple. But you can say yes, but would you really move?? Would I move? I thought about it, and at this point in time of my life -- and if it is to Hong Kong, I would say yes. I really don't mind spending a few years in Asia, specifically HKG and China, and be part of the growing economies and experience the changes. I think it would be very exciting. But nope, not moving ... at least not yet.