What's the best way to ask for a transfer without fear of getting laid off?

[ironpony]

 

in my job I'm having health problems and need to transfer to another department as a result. However I'm worried the company will not have anything for me to do in any other departments so it feels like a risky move but I feel I must ask.

 

But what's the best way to ask about fear of being laid off if I'm useless, unless that's of course just a risk and should still just ask?

 

 

[basil67]

If they have no other jobs to transfer into, then you'll likely just have to keep doing the job you're doing or find a new employer.  

 

[ironpony]

25 minutes ago, basil67 said:

If they have no other jobs to transfer into, then you'll likely just have to keep doing the job you're doing or find a new employer.  

 

I can do that. I was told I should still ask for the transfer though. so if they say no there's nothing else, does it look bad if I ask though?

[basil67]

You're making this more complicated than it needs to be. 

 If your health is suffering, then you should ask.   There may or may not be able to transfer you.  Your manager may be helpful or they may not be.     Your choices are to either put up with the situation or to ask for a transfer and see what happens.   What you do is up to you.

[Wiseman2]

5 hours ago, ironpony said:

 I was told I should still ask for the transfer though. 

Who told you to ask for a transfer? Why not see a physician for an evaluation of your physical and mental health. Get some tests done. If you are having issues with health problems, it's a good idea to have documentation. You can always ask about a transfer, but if you are going to cite  medical reasons for it, it's best to be prepared.

[ironpony]

Oh I have a referral to see a specialist on the issue, but there is a waiting list, and I might need to get a transfer right away, while I am waiting if that makes sense?

[NuevoYorko]

If you "might need to get a transfer right away,"  what is the point of this question?  I mean,  if you NEED to stop working there for your health reasons or whatever, getting laid off will be better than continuing to work there ... right?  So put in your request for a transfer and deal with the results.

[mark clemson]

You could consider portraying it as asking for a secondment (temporary job rotation) and then asking to stay in the new position after you've significantly settled in and if it actually meets your needs better.

Edited February 14, 2023 by mark clemson

[Lotsgoingon]

Who do you trust at your job? Is there an HR Department? You can go to them.

Is there a boss that you really trust, who knows you well and is kind, you can share with the boss. If this condition is going to interfere with your work, then your boss will notice at some point, so no need to be secret. It's gonna come out right? So get ahead of the game. 

[ironpony]

11 hours ago, Lotsgoingon said:

Who do you trust at your job? Is there an HR Department? You can go to them.

Is there a boss that you really trust, who knows you well and is kind, you can share with the boss. If this condition is going to interfere with your work, then your boss will notice at some point, so no need to be secret. It's gonna come out right? So get ahead of the game. 

This is a good point.  It's just that I was also going to ask for a raise as well in order to pay for my living situation better, and feel like it would be awkward to basically ask for a transfer, and a raise in close proximity perhaps?  I don't trust HR any more than the boss particularly.

[basil67]

2 hours ago, ironpony said:

It's just that I was also going to ask for a raise as well in order to pay for my living situation better,  and feel like it would be awkward to basically ask for a transfer, and a raise in close proximity perhaps?  

If you want to ask for a raise, it will more likely be given if you've been doing an excellent job and are of high value to the company.  Or you might get a raise because you've been doing excellent work and promoted.  People don't get raises just because they want more money.....you have to be able to demonstrate that your good work deserves more pay. And of course, it all depends on how much money the company can spare - if they aren't making a lot of money, they won't be able to pay you more.

And yes, asking for a raise and a transfer at the same time has so many issues (and I'll just confuse matters if I start talking about them).   

 

[Lotsgoingon]

Yes, focus on the transfer. 

[ironpony]

Okay thanks.  I can focus on the transfer for now, if that is better.  Thanks.