Want to leave DC but keep job-anyone have experience achieving this?

[Anonymous]

For reasons to numerous to list, we want to move. DW has opportunities in new locale; I do not. I am management level but the people who report to me do so from around the country. I would like to work from a home office and travel to meetings as needed. Any advice for convincing the powers that be?

[Anonymous]

A friend managed to do this -- his wife could not stand the DC traffic any longer so they moved south.

He teleworks for 3 weeks and then drives up to work in the office for the 4th week. He schedules his in-office week based on when his boss wants him in the office.

His telework setup includes a webcam so when he phones in for a meeting (WebEx/GoToMeeting) he is on video as well as audio.

I think it is possible to negotiate this but there has to be very little lost from the existing work arrangement.

[Anonymous]

Ask to test it from your current home. Only way to prove you can be as productive and effective from home as you are in the office.

[Anonymous]

I know of one coworker who also did this. She moved to Florida and wasn't able to find another job. When she came back to visit the office, boss man offered her a telework position. I think it's rare, but it happens.

[Anonymous]

I've done it twice. It really just depends on how your boss feels about it. I didn't like doing it so I quit my last job. I needed office interaction.

[Anonymous]

We have a number of people in my office who have done that. I think it has to do with the culture of your organization and how valuable they feel you are to them.

[Anonymous]

A friend did this. Moved from easy coast to west coast. Tough for her b/c of the time difference but it has worked out. If you have already proven yourself with the company, it may not be as difficult.

[Anonymous]

I live in Virginia but my job is in Denver. Bad deal for me!

[Anonymous]

Am about to try this (will let you know how it goes.). But in terms of how to convince the office, I think it hinges on two things: 1) presenting a setup for telework / return visits that demonstrates how you will continue to effectively meet the office needs, and 2) highlighting your value to the organization / why it's worth it to them to at least attempt the transition.

Personally my office also already supports a high level of periodic telework, and implemented email with easy video chat, both of which made it an easier sell.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've done it twice. It really just depends on how your boss feels about it. I didn't like doing it so I quit my last job. I needed office interaction.

You are the reason my days in the office dragged on. I am not here to socialize. Do the job so I can go home. I don't have time for your needy behind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a number of people in my office who have done that. I think it has to do with the culture of your organization and how valuable they feel you are to them.

Exactly. They have to want to retain you, and the organization has to be comfortable with remote arrangements. I will say that I think managing people remotely is very difficult to do well, but it sounds like you are already doing this. I'd go to your boss with a proposal and see what happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've done it twice. It really just depends on how your boss feels about it. I didn't like doing it so I quit my last job. I needed office interaction.

You are the reason my days in the office dragged on. I am not here to socialize. Do the job so I can go home. I don't have time for your needy behind.

Ha! I am hardly needy. Sometimes it's easier to go down the hall to solve a problem. I also just didn't like seeing anyone all day except for my husband and kids. I was in investment banking. Hardly a field where you chat it up all day. I still had to go to NY every week, but it was more like 4 days home, 1 day NY.