When to tell my boss I'm leaving???

Question

I am moving across the country in May, and want to keep my current job, but telecommute (I'm in IT so this is very do-able). When should I ask him? I think they may let me as I'm the senior IT person, and they trust me greatly. However if they say no I'd like to help find a suitable replacement (yes, I know it would be their responsibility, but I can't leave this company in the hands of the only other developer. She's a good programmer, but does NOT have the capacity for my job). I love working where I work and don't want to give it up.

Answer 1

Tell them now!  The sooner you tell them the sooner you can get an answer and begin a new job/replacement search - or - start downloading you telecommuting software and stuff. There's no point in procrastinating when your mind is made up now.

Answer 2

You can choose to tell them anytime, but the sooner the better, in case they would like to look at the other options. I think that would be fair since they have been good to you thus far. The other person you currently work with may not have the capacity for your job, but that doesnt mean the company cant find someone suitable outside to replace your skills level. Consider that everyone one is replaceable, and let the company know of your situation to move.

Answer 3

I would tell your boss soonest that you are moving (is it for a spousal job transfer or a family issue or what? Not my business but if it is for your spouse's job transfer they may indeed be very accommodating).

I think you should tell him you are moving and present it as a fait accompli and say you value the work you do for this company and would like to set up so you can do it by telecommuting. Tell him the gift of time will allow lots of opportunity to restructure a few tasks to make it work as well or better than things are working now and you are willing to, the last three months, work a day or two a week from home, just to start testing the waters and work out any bugs telecommuting might unearth while you are wrapping up anything at the office the other weekdays that need your personal attention.

Also, this gift of time will allow for the purchase of equipment you may not now have available, like teleconferencing equipment for you to virtually attend staff meetings, etc. and for you to consult with the  network engineers and start building the network if needed.

I think if you are indeed the senior IT person that they will want to keep you any way they can and you should not worry about job security.

However, if they choose to pass, your comment that you "can't leave the company in the hands of the only other developer" sounds a bit smug and controlling. Maybe she doesn't have the capacity for your job because you don't delegate any management tasks to her and she has not had the chance to try it, or maybe you are right but either way the decision to move her into your position or hire outside the company if they decide not to have you as a telecommuter is the company's decision alone.

I do see a problem, if you are the senior IT person and in charge of day-to-day management of the department they may in fact remove some of your management duties simply because you are not on site and you cannot always do management by phone and email.

Also, if the office environment and relating to the people was a plus side of the job you might want to consider applying for similar positions in your new city. Telecommuting can be lonely and isolating and you may find yourself out of the loop after a while.

Answer 4

bring it up as soon as possible so conversations can begin taking place.

and ur very noble for wanting to assist even if they wish to replace you.

what if they have you train the other girl why not?

Answer 5

If you have a good relationship with the president or/and owner of the company, then you can sit them down and explain the situation to them.Most likely they will let you telecommute, but with that there will be a lot of traveling.But talk to get early as possible because maybe they need time to think it over or go through the process to see how things will be done.Or if they decide not to keep you,then you will have to way your options. Good Luck!!!!

Answer 6

asap baby!