Mixed feelings swirl around IBM’s recent offer called “Project Match,” which grants some laid off North American employees the chance to transfer to IBM’s offices in lower-income countries like India, Nigeria, Brazil, the Czech Republic and China and earn local wages. The news has me wondering –is it worth speaking to your boss about moving to a lower-cost region and earning a smaller salary, be it India or North Carolina?

In times like these, some career experts say this may be a creative strategy to try to hedge losing your 9 to 5. IBM is also offering to help pay for employers’ Visas and for the relocation costs. “Sounds like the best of both worlds,” says Rosanne Knorr, author of The Grown-Up’s Guide to Running Away from Home. “You’re not going to get a pay cut because you’re living in that economy, and you get to keep your job. It’s a wonderful chance to build your experience and build credentials internationally.”

But not so fast, others say. There’s still no guarantee that moving around for your company won’t result in a lay-off down the road. “If you’re let go, you’re on your own…in a foreign country,” says Richard Nelson Bolles, author of the best-selling career guidebook What Color is Your Parachute? Don’t expect any help with your exit strategy, he says. “Companies don’t feel any compulsion to be generous with severed employees other than giving them a package for not complaining too loud.”

For Your Consideration
Even if the financials make sense for both you and the company, voluntarily asking to be relocated may be a risky request. First, you need to first sniff out your manager, says Bolles. Sure, moving from Chicago to a branch in China or Chatanooga may save your firm thousands of dollars in annual wages, but saying you want to work remotely may not reflect well on you, especially if you still have to report to your boss in your current town. In some cases, where face-to-face communication is critical for team productivity, expressing a desire to relocate may be a dangerous route to explore. “I would immediately, in my mind, think of that employee as…second tier… for not wanting to stay with me,” says Bolles. “Proposing that idea can be a dangerous one…if [your employer] is trying to think of people to let go, [you’re] going to rise at the top.” On the other hand, if your employer knows you well and is open to new ideas, you may feel comfortable suggesting the idea. You need to judge your boss’ comfort zone.

You also need to judge your own comfort zone, as well. You might be up for the challenge and embrace the prospects of living in a new location, having a new experience and skirting a layoff, even if it is just temporary. “For the person with a little bit of adventure in their soul, why not?” says Knorr.

Making it Work
When 41-year-old Chris Weilding began doubting his job security last summer at Credit Suisse in Manhattan, he suggested to his boss that he be considered for a position in the bank’s Raleigh, North Carolina office. There, salaries average about 15% less, according to salary.com – a plus for his employer. But the cost of living is about 40% less than in New York, meaning Chris and his family could actually have a higher standard of living. Six months later the married dad of two received an offer to move down South. His work hours would change from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to midnight to 8 a.m. and relocation costs would not be included, but, he says, they didn’t hesitate to pack up and head down.

Everyone was happy with the arrangement. What did he do right? He applied for an opening in North Carolina, similar to his current post within the company, rather than asking to simply get transplanted to the new zip code. The company had already disclosed interest in hiring in that locale. “And because [Chris] was coming from New York City, from a busier office, he was coming here with skills others don’ have,” says wife Kara.

The move has been a win-win for the family. Their young boys, aged two-and-a-half and five, have better schooling options. And as for living space, the kids now have room to run around. “You get twice the amount of space for half the rent paying in New York,” she says. “We have a washer and dryer and dishwasher in our house. It seems petty [to say that], but it feels like such a luxury.” Not to mention, the temperature was around 70 degrees the other day (in the dead of winter.)