Looking to do an internal transfer

[jinduy]

my division of the company is going through some mass layoffs and I saw an open position internally that fits me perfectly in another division. i'm a programmer.

Few main reasons why i want to transfer (in order of importance)
1. job security - i might get axed due to the downsizing (20% of us)
2. learning opportunity - it focuses on the things i'm really interested in

Few reasons i might not want to transfer
1. mgr relationship - me and my mgr have a great relationship, it might create an awkward situation
2. if i don't get the new job, i might be in a worse position than if i had never applied in the first place (i.e. i show lack of loyalty, stability, etc). i might be higher priority to get the axe

What do you folks think?

i do have every intention of telling my mgr first... i think that's probably the best way to go about it than to let him found out from someone else first.

 

[MadAmos]

A good manager will understand that it is not personal and that you have to do what is best for you both in job security and future growth. If you worked for me and I knew or even suspected that layoffs were coming there would be mo issue seeing you get a position within the company that helped both you and the company.

 

[EMPshockwave82]

Originally posted by: MadAmos
A good manager will understand that it is not personal and that you have to do what is best for you both in job security and future growth. If you worked for me and I knew or even suspected that layoffs were coming there would be mo issue seeing you get a position within the company that helped both you and the company.

When I was looking to do this just a few months ago I sat down with my manager and explained everything that was going on. He was very understanding and even assisted with the department move.

 

[Q]

Tell him you've been eating Ramen noodles for the past month and maybe he will feel bad.

Seriously though I agree with what the other two replies have said -- if you explain fully that you need to do what's best for you (/family?) he/she should understand

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: Quintox
Tell him you've been eating Ramen noodles for the past month and maybe he will feel bad.

This!

 

[KillerCharlie]

Absolutely tell your current boss - not only will he probably support you, he'll probably put in a good word and help you get the position. I work for a huge company and in no way does moving around internally show any lack of loyalty. In fact I think it does the opposite.

 

[jinduy]

alright, think i'll call the hiring manager first to get a feel for him (make sure he doesn't sound like an obvious asshat) before i proceed. thanks

 

[nerp]

I thought this was going to be a bank transfer thread.

 

[jinduy]

well i told my current mgr and he told me that if the only reason i'm applying is because I think I'd have more job security, then that's not a good reason because it's not true....

so in my head now i'm like wtf ok so i just played my hand and i can still get laid off if i get the other position