Posted by:
Gordon B. Stinky
(
)
Date: February 20, 2019 04:27PM
bona dea Wrote:
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> Just don't show up next week. If you want to be
> nice, email him and tell him that Sunday is the
> last time you will be there so he had better look
> for a replacement. If he doesn't, it is not your
> problem. Don't go to the meeting.
This ^^^^
And take it two steps further:
1) Tell him to have your replacement come next Sunday, so you can introduce him to the boys, "for a smooth transition."
2) Tell the boys next week that it's your last week: "I've really enjoyed working with you boys for the last three years" (assuming that's true), "and I'll still be here in the ward" (if that's true), "but it's time for someone else to take on this calling" (or however you want to word it).
In other words, put a positive spin on in, but make it very real to everyone that it's happening. And by putting the word out publicly, it'll look like it's an official decision, and it will be easier for you--and harder for them--to do damage control if that's necessary.
You've done the right thing: given them notice. But take the above steps to actually make it happen.
I did something similar years ago on a DoD project in Washington. I was working about three subcontractors deep. It paid well, but it was $h|++y work, and after several years I'd had my fill. There was a sister project, across the hall, that used essentially the same code base, and they were eager for me to work for them. But the project leader was determined to keep me working on the $h|++y project and repeatedly stymied the move.
Finally, it occurred to me that I was trying to negotiate with the wrong people. I called the lady who owned the firm I was working for and said, "I've enjoyed working for you, but I've had all I can take on Project X. Project Z wants me to work for them, and I'd like to. But if I can't switch, then I'll have to resign."
Naturally, she'd rather have me working on Project Z than not at all, so she pushed to make it happen. Then the mid-level schmuck tried one more thing: "Ok, let's just tie up a few loose ends, and then you can move over."
That sounded reasonable, at first... but at the next release kickoff meeting, I had wrapped up everything, but they actually tried to assign me more tasks to start on! That was a Monday morning, so after the meeting I grabbed my few personal things (as a long-time consultant, I had learned to travel light), walked across the hall to the office space that I knew was set aside for me, and broadcast an email to everyone on Project X:
"It's been a great couple of years working with everyone, but this is not the usual farewell email because I'll be right across the hall! I just want to let everyone know that as of this morning I start working on Project Z! So feel free to grab me for lunch outings or whatever." I also cc'ed the management of Project Z.
Everyone was happy except the schmuck who tried to keep me on the $h|++y project. And he couldn't do anything. The new management wanted me, assumed today was the day, and were happy about it. The company owner was happy, because she was still gonna be able to bill uncle same for my work. My coworkers were happy because I'd just be across the hall (and my closest friends and colleagues revelled in the fact that I'd managed to shaft the schmuck!
Anyway, the point is, just make it clear to everyone that it's happening, that it's what's "supposed to happen," and it'll happen. Certain parties might not like it, but if they make trouble, it makes them look bad.
He can't run around telling people that he didn't release you, and that you "defied" him, because then he looks impotent, and others might follow your example.