wwyd - we might move

[neonalee]

I have a job that truly can be done remotely, however no one on my team does. I have on occasion (and for 2 whole weeks before my due date), as has another team member, but management isn't real comfortable implementing a regular schedule. Other teams in our company do work from home more often, and there are even remote employees. My team is very small and there is a high learning curve to be effective in the role. I'm on maternity leave for September and will be asking my boss this week about using 1 week of vaca to cover 2 weeks of part time work when I return.

So here's the question. There is a very strong possibility that sometime between now and the next 3 - 6 months we will move out of state for DP's career. I'd love to keep my job (pay and benefits not likely to get when we move). In this situation, when would you discuss the possibility of becoming a remote employee with the boss?

[thriftyqueen]

Yes, absolutely. The worst thing they will say is no. It costs companies a lot of money to find and train new employees. Plus there is the time factor of getting them trained. If your boss is happy with your work, it is very possible that they would consider this proposal. If not, they will let you know. I wouldn't say anything until you know for sure that you are moving, though.

[~pi]

Yes, I would.

For the discussion, I would have some points prepared about how you would be available to your colleagues/clients/whomever. I work remotely much of the time, and I and my colleagues use IM so that they can see that I am online and reach me immediately.

I would also have thoughts prepared about how you might participate in meetings, get face time when needed, etc. I travel regularly to where everyone else is just to keep in touch with face to face meetings.

Good luck!

[neonalee]

Thanks for the advice! I talked to her yesterday about the 2 week part time return to work and she seemed to think that was fine, though I didn't ask about doing it from home yet. That might give me an idea how she will respond to a remote employee.

[cakemama579]

If I were you, I wouldn't comment on the whole moving thing until you know for sure it is happening. Never cause undue stress on a work situation when you don't have to.

Good luck!

[Quinalla]

I too would not ask until you know for sure that the move is happening. And then I would present how you will set up your home office to be a good employee, site how well you worked from home in the past, and talk about it as a trial run, maybe you would work from home for 1 month and then you and your boss both evaluate and see if it is working ok, if adjustments can be made if not, or if it just isn't going to work. Also, you should probably agree to a certain amount of face time availability. Not sure how far you will be moving, but whatever seems reasonable.