How to bring up wanting to transfer at work

CantWait2Be

Back in january I was transferred to the office I am now at without me being given an option. I was told this is a good thing bla bla but it requires a bit further of a drive for me and quite a bit more time added to my drive. The position is exactly the same and there was no change in pay. Well I get along with the staff and customers fine but it's not working out for me getting to daycare on time and I'm also having to pay more for gas. I used to get to daycare RIGHT on time where I was coming from and now I am always late. Dh can't do pick up every day as he has class and on the other days I still have to do pick up bc dd is in preschool those days and it closes at the same time as daycare. I have a review coming up, which is actually over due, and wonder about bringing it up then. What would you say to try to get transferred back? I'm not sure if only my manager reads the self evaluation or if the person who moved me to begin with and makes these decisions reads it too, I know she has in the past. It is creating a real problem for me. Wwyd? Would you bring this up before, during or after review? I dont want it to negatively affect my review.

Dr.Loretta

As the cynic/devil's advocate, it's not their problem that you are having an issue with daycare and your commute. You could always find another daycare that's closer to work, or find another place to live, or frankly find another job. Or (gasp) leave the house 10 minutes earlier than you were doing. I don't see how you could use this as leverage to get transferred to a different office.

If there's an opening for your position at a closer office, I could see making a request if/when that happens, not necessarily as part of your review.

BlackDiamond3201

Someone at my office was transferred and she ended up not liking it there. She later found it she was able to transfer back because she had seniority.

Otherwise, I agree with everything the PP stated.

SparklerSpades

Agree that it's not necessarily your employers "problem" but that doesn't mean it's working out for you. I think that the likelihood of you getting transferred without saying anything is zilch. I would let whoever has the authority to do so know that due to personal circumstances you'd prefer to be transferred back if it ever became a possibility. That being said be careful how you present it - I wouldn't go making threats or demands if you want to keep your job. Let them know you're happy there, love the people, but it's not working out as well as it did before because of the location and if the opportunity came up you would be very appreciative if they'd consider letting you transfer back.

 

CantWait2Be

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a problem getting to work on time it's getting to daycare after work that has become a problem due to them transferring me. So the "gasp leave 10 minutes earlier" isnt an option that helps where my problem is. And I don't think I should be expected to move my kids around just bc they up and moved me. I picked the arangements we had bc its what worked for the work schedule. We need something that works for both dh and I to do drop off and pick up. Dd won't be going to school in city a just bc I work there... Don't most kids go to school in the city they live in? This arrangement was all working fine with same employer at the other location.... Of course I don't want to phrase my request like a threat etc bc I need my job but whats going on now isn't working.

Dr.Loretta

It just seems to me that you haven't explored many options from your end. Have you asked for a modified schedule so you can come in early and leave early to pick up your child? Have you looked at DCPs that are closer to your work but not impossible for your DH to reach? Have you checked to see if there are any openings at your old location you can request a transfer to?

As it reads now, you sound a bit entitled, like you expect your company to do all the work to make your life easier, instead of trying to find some ways to adapt to the situation.

In any case, during review time still isn't the time to bring this up IMO. It's as soon as there's an opening at your old location, or when you think your boss has time to discuss the possibility of you moving back there in the near future.

CantWait2Be

Yes I've explored other daycare arrangements. I work in an environment where coming in early to be able to leave early isn't an option. There isn't anything open at my old office, but there wasn't an opening when they moved me before, they just flip-flopped me with someone else so she is now where I want to go back to. I was kind of hoping they could switch us back. I'm not trying to sound entitled, but I didn't request the transfer to begin with when they up and switched me back in January.

fbf2006

CantWait2Be:

Yes I've explored other daycare arrangements. I work in an environment where coming in early to be able to leave early isn't an option. There isn't anything open at my old office, but there wasn't an opening when they moved me before, they just flip-flopped me with someone else so she is now where I want to go back to. I was kind of hoping they could switch us back. I'm not trying to sound entitled, but I didn't request the transfer to begin with when they up and switched me back in January.

Did you ask what the reasons for the switch was before it took place? I mean why would they just switch you and the other person? Did the other person request a switch? Would he/she be willing to come back to their original location?

CantWait2Be

Neither of us requested it, I do believe the other person would come back she didn't want to change either. I was told it would give me different exposure.