I was a contractor working for Virgin Galactic for almost a full year before they offered me a full-time position in NM at Spaceport America. I was sent an offer letter to convert from contractor to a full-time employee and accepted the offer in October. They were generous with their sign on bonus and relocation assistance.
The issue I have is they hired me on full time, fully aware that I was purchasing a new home, and let me move forward, presumably knowing, that layoffs were coming down the pipeline. Why would a company go through the leg work and waste resources to sign me on full time just to lay me off less than a month later? They should have put a hold on converting the numerous contractors they were offering full time positions to.
I wish there was better communication with my recruiter or help was offered for situations like mine. I am out 40k in closing costs to buy my house / sell my house, accrued mortgage interest and realtor fees to sell the house.
This has put me in a devastating financial situation. The Virgin Galactic employee that hired me and my direct management knew I was purchasing a new house in the area once the offer letter was accepted (which I did obviously accept). There was absolutely no reason why they could not wait and just keep me on as a contractor until the decision was made regarding layoffs. Had I still been a contractor, no big deal. Their poor decisions and there not being another company in the area that was seeking my skill set, forced me to start the process of selling my home less than a month after signing on full time, before I even had the opportunity to make my first mortgage payment.
The company would be great for people that already live in the area. Not so great for anyone considering a life move.
