Submitted by tmliz on
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BLUF: I need assistance figuring out timing and delivery of a proposal for a position restructuring/resignation.
All -
I recently had my first child and returned to work a few months ago. I thought it would work out, but it's not for me at this time. The right decision for me and my family at this time is to be at home with my child. I do wish I could have made this decision before I left on maternity leave, but I never predicted I would feel this way.
A large part of my work could be done on a contract position, where I am delivering on multiple projects that are currently in the air. I know my company won't be able to backfill my position right now, so to avoid leaving my (most beloved) boss and team in a lurch, I would like to offer to work on those projects from home. If this isn't ideal for the company, I am prepared to resign.
How do I word this proposal to my boss? I listened to the "How to Resign" podcasts again, and have done all of my transition work. I'm ready to have the conversation with my boss (and am prepared if escorted out!). Do I start with the proposal? Do I start with the resignation and then bring up the proposal?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
--tmliz
I'd start with neither. I
I'd start with neither. I think I'd start with "the current situation isn't working out for me and here are two proposals: I can work from home or I can resign" and then go into them both.
There are a few ways....
Firstly, it is good that you are being thoughtful about this. If you do this in a good way, it leaves many options open for you in your future and will make all parties feel good about it. Secondly, you are right to do what is right for you and your family. Thirdly, congratulations!
The most important part is the first sentence has to have 'I have made my decision' in it someplace. You don't want to turn into a discussion about staying on. It was a hard decision...say the words.
Then - just be honest.
- I don't want to leave you hanging on projects, so I thought of a few ways I can help until you can distribute my responsibilites....
- Define the boundaries of what you can contribute and talk it through.
Lastly - try to prepare yourself for a range of reactions from your boss. There is no way to predict. but pick a wide range and think through how you will respond. It will help you to be ready.
This is a tough call, but you have the right things at heart.
-D
Don't mention resignation
...at first. It will be inferred by a smart boss. And if things can be restructured, you'll never have resorted to "threats" and it will reflect well on you. Your willingness to continue supporting the firm is good professionalism.
If you simply can't work it out, then you can share your concern that you may have to resign. At that point, it will be seen as a conclusion, not a negotiating ploy.
Most experienced managers know that having a baby can result in big changes in perspective. Your boss is likely to have considered this possibility already.
John Hack
I'm not sure about something...
Is your goal to resign, or to be able to work from home?
If the former, then I would do so and offer to assist as you have set out.
If the latter, then offer that proposal. And as John said, without mentioning the 'alternative' option of resignation, which will make it seem like an ultimatum.
The boss will know what's what.