How to Know When to Transfer

There are times in our professional lives when we feel a change would be good thing. The reason a person may wish to transfer can be many and varied. When considering a move to another job title or physical location, you need to know if the time is right or if you would be better off sitting tight for a while longer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. First things first. You may say the desire to change jobs is the first thing in the process of transferring. Before going further, let us define what we mean by the word transfer. A transfer is not necessarily a promotion or accepting employment with another company. Most of the time when we use the word transfer, we mean that we are interested in another position within the company we are employed by, or we may wish for a different reporting location. Transfer for the purposes of this article is not meant as one made when downsized out of your current position.
2. Things to know. There are some points you should be aware of before requesting a transfer from your supervisor or company placement bureau. A main thing to consider is career progression. Even a lateral transfer can be perceived by higher management as an attempt to better yourself, and rarely is that frowned upon or misunderstood. Know also that companies closely monitor employee requests so be certain your reasons are valid. “I don’t like the boss,” or “I cannot work with so-and-so another day!” are not valid reasons for transfer and will make you look unprofessional. You very well may be disgruntled or dissatisfied for some reason, but you will have to present a better front to maintain your professionalism.
3. Things to consider. You know your company and are a professional who will practice good business etiquette. Having said that; is it time to go, or not? This question is hard to answer because it can only be answered by you. You may have unique personal reasons for wishing to change or professionally you have grown stale. You may be stuck in place and looking for anything that will shake things up. You may report to work 30 miles from your home and wish to be closer in. Generally speaking, any legitimate reason not based on negative emotion may be a valid reason to transfer and will probably be supported by your superiors.
4. Making the request. The rule of thumb for this and all other areas of life is, do the right thing for the right reason. If a transfer will boost your career in any way, go for it. If a move improves the quality of your home and family life, that is another valid reason. Companies are usually eager for employees to move around, as long as they are gaining greater experience and knowledge of the business, so anything not negative is normally considered positive.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider carefully your request to transfer. You may do it several times during the course of your career, but avoid becoming a job hopper.
• Be considerate of your department managers when requesting transfer. It will cost them at least some time and money to replace you. Leave under the best terms possible as you may see some of the people you are leaving behind again someday.
• Transfers are usually not as emotionally challenging as a promotion or forced relocation to another area simply because it is you who are originating the request. Still, it is a wise idea to sound out your family concerning anything that will impact your career in any way.
• Handle all requests for transfer with diplomacy. Your desire to leave may be perceived by some as rejection and dissatisfaction of your present job and/or work group. That may well be the case but do not allow this to become obvious.
• Do not request a position you do not truly want. You may get it and wind up more dissatisfied than you are now.
• Do not request a position that management perceives as a downgrade. That will raise eyebrows and cause them to doubt you,

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