#CareerDilemmas #RelationshipChallenges #JobTransition
Hi Reddit,
My Fiancé got a promotion, but the promotion is about 1000 miles away from where we currently live. 😔 I obviously encouraged him to take it and we found our apartment but I haven’t told my boss yet. 😬 I’ve been applying like crazy for other jobs but have been unsuccessful in securing any interviews. 😩 I only had a call with a recruiter who told me to reconvene when I’m closer to my move date, which is June. 😞 I am wrestling with the indecision of when I should tell my boss. 🤔 I work a hybrid schedule now and the best-case scenario is that they will let me go fully remote. My boss is probably one of the best people I know, so supportive which in my experience is very rare. 😊 I’m not sure when I should have a conversation with him about it, any kind of guidance would be super appreciated! Hope everyone has a wonderful day! 🌟
## Addressing the Dilemma
When to Tell My Boss?
– Consider the Timing: Is it better to inform your boss now or closer to your move date in June?
– Evaluate your Relationship: Reflect on your rapport with your boss and how they might react to the news.
– Assess the Company Culture: Is there a history of supporting remote work arrangements or long-distance transitions?
Crafting a Communication Strategy
– Schedule a Meeting: Arrange a one-on-one conversation with your boss to discuss your situation.
– Be Transparent: Explain your Fiancé’s promotion and your desire to explore remote work options.
– Seek Input: Ask for your boss’s guidance on navigating this transition and potential solutions.
## Practical Solutions
Negotiate for Remote Work
– Pitch the Benefits: Highlight how remote work can increase your productivity and job satisfaction.
– Propose a Trial Period: Offer to pilot remote work for a set duration to demonstrate its viability.
– Emphasize Communication: Assure your boss of your commitment to staying connected and collaborating effectively.
Explore Alternative Job Opportunities
– Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experiences relevant to remote roles.
– Expand Your Search: Explore job listings specifically targeting remote workers or flexibility in location.
– Network Effectively: Leverage professional connections and online platforms to expand your job search reach.
In conclusion, navigating a career transition due to a partner’s relocation can be challenging but with strategic planning and open communication, you can find a solution that works for both you and your employer. Best of luck with your decision-making process and take comfort in knowing that many have faced similar dilemmas and emerged stronger on the other side. 💪🌟
I would tell your boss in mid to late April and be very clear that you respect your boss, enjoy your working relationship which is why you are giving your boss more time and would hope that this gives more opportunity for a transition plan including you asking to working 100% remotely while you are in Florida. Please avoid any specific dates just say you will need to relocate and are asking if you can switch to working 100% remote.
This may backfire and they may lay you off in which case you can apply for unemployment. Dont write any letter saying you are resigning yet especially if they ask you to-that type of letter from you should only come 2-3 weeks before your last day. But right now just ask for 100% remote. If they say no then talk about transition plans.
Im a hiring manager and would respond well to a direct report who came to me in this way. But please dont trust your supervisor s/he is not your friend. I have had many supervisors who do what business needs demands with no thought to my needs so understand most bosses will always do whats best for the business and not you.
Thank you all for the comments! Basically all the responses are the arguments I have with myself on the daily but it’s nice to have differing opinions. It’s definitely a lot to consider! Thank you for all the well wishes!
Keep in mind as you assimilate your life into Florida.
The insurance rates are outrageous.
It could eat up your promotion salary.
I know several people who are selling their house and moving back to Ohio due to insurance costs
It’s great context that you respect and enjoy your current boss. Knowing that they are supportive and want what’s best for your career, hugely influences my opinion.
I suggest to continue to apply for external job opportunities no matter what. In mid April I suggest starting the conversation with your boss, mention your fiance got a promotion and how excited you are. It will naturally bring up the relocation aspect in a casual conversation. From there, ask about remote opportunities! I think being hybrid already is favorable and given the positive relationship and respect you have with your boss i think you’ve got another point in your pocket.
I suggest mid April because your boss will need some time to talk to their boss about approving remote full time, it’s not a simple yay or nay and they need to have a discussion on what is impacted without your physical presence. I fear that waiting until May won’t be enough time for them to decide and begin implementing the transition.
If there isn’t a remote opportunity I would give the boss the move date and turn it into a “last day notice”. I know the standard is two weeks, but in reality you can give notice of your last working day anytime. Yes you risk them letting you go early, but again, using your relationship with your boss, I would expect that they are excited for you and respect that life happens. They’ll honor your last day request.
Aside from keeping your role, I would also ask your boss if they could recommend you on LinkedIn or write you a letter of recommendation to help sell yourself when job hunting. A good boss will always support career growth for their direct reports and do what they can to help them succeed, even when it means the direct report is leaving the team.
Congratulations on your engagement and a new living situation! I wish you the best of luck.
Being completely honest I wouldn’t talk to boss until you have another job lined up
Don’t phrase it as you have another job, just see if you can get them to agree to something like fully remote. If they do, then you can sit and compare the two offers as two equal possible offers and pick the best one.
If you bring it up before, they might just get rid of you to save money while they find a new employee. My ‘best boss, honestly one of the best people I know’ did that. So don’t trust any of them.
Wait until May and then let your work know. If they can make it work fully remote I’m sure they will, if not you’ve given them plenty of time to find a replacement and train them up if need be. It’s your call though! If you think letting them know earlier gives you a better chance of working remote then go for it but business is business and they might decide to part ways with you earlier. Good luck and congrats to you and your fiance
I’d go to my manager with the news, and frame it in a positive way. Also give the solution you most want to happen. Suggest working remote 100% and show all the benefits and ways you will make it work. Make your manager work to say NO, and build your case in a positive light.