Is it Time to Retire from Your IT Support Job?
Congratulations, you are ready to retire from your IT Support job. After years of saving, working long hours, weekend projects, and l late-night calls, you are finally at the stage where you are considering retirement. But how do you go about it? How much notice should you give? How do you ensure you leave it in good hands?
It’s All About Timing
Most agree that 6-weeks is sufficient time to give notice. However, most employers will work with you on a transition plan since you serve such a vital role in company operations. As an IT support professional, you are considered a hard-to-replace employee because experienced IT support professionals have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States at 2.2% according to DICE Tech Talent website. Therefore, giving your employer six months to find a suitable replacement and time to pass on your knowledge to the new employee is reasonable.
Retiring Due to Medical Issues
Unfortunately, the unexpected can surprise anyone. You might have medical issues or need to care for a loved one. When this happens, committing to the same number of hours is difficult. However, most employers will work with you on the transition plan since you serve such a vital role in the organization. For example, the alternatives to full retirement include:
- Transition to Part-Time – Consider slowly dropping hours while you train your replacement. This allows you to choose your replacement and ensure the person is fully trained before your exit.
- Split Your Role – Go to hourly pay and have an MSP fill in while you are out. Over time, you can slowly transition this role to the MSP.
When You’re Ready for Full Retirement
Some companies prefer to keep IT support people full-time while they train their replacements. The time to transition differs based on the complexity of the network and your role within the organization. Here are some tips for a smooth transition.
- Document, Document, Document – Avoid IT support knowledge silos. Instead, you must document the network environment, end-user needs, department roles, historical information, and future plans.
- Cross-Train Incoming IT Support – You have an enormous wealth of IT and company-wide knowledge. Unfortunately, much of this information is difficult to document and just easier to show someone. That’s why it is best to have some time to share this knowledge. In addition, you can leave a great legacy if your replacement understands why and how you set up the system. Otherwise, everything that they don’t understand will be denounced as your incompetence.
- Consulting Opportunities – Once you have handed off all of your responsibilities, there will still be times the new guy will need your input. Consider offering consultation fees on an as-needed basis.
Your Responsibility as an IT Support Professional in Atlanta GA
As an IT professional, you impact every aspect of the company. That’s why you need a transition plan regardless of whether you have a phased retirement plan or plan to leave quickly. A lousy transition plan could devastate impact on your company, but a good transition will leave an incredible legacy in the minds of your superiors and co-workers.
INSI Can Help with Your Retirement Transition Plan
INSI can document your environment, put together IT support strategies, or help you fill in the gaps as you slowly transition out. Our Customized IT™ program is ideal for situations just like this, and you will be treated with the utmost respect and dignity as you move toward retirement.
Contact INSI if you want to retire your IT support hat and get professional help. We are here in the Marietta / Atlanta metro area: 770-387-2424, option 2.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to get notified when a new article is posted, click here.
