Leaving Advice

[sqdge]

I leave my job as Network Manager in 4 weeks times. When I joined the school, they had not previously had a network manager (I'm not overly sure they knew what one did), and it was the first time I had been given that job title.

 

Therefore, my question is this: What kind of things should I be doing to make the transition from one network manager to another as easy as possible? Bear in mind that there will be no overlap between us, and the chances of me being able to meet them when they arrive are slim to nil.

[ChrisH]

You need to leave them as much documentation as you can. IP settings and all related setup information for servers. What server does what etc etc. Which switches serve which rooms. Basically they should be able to look through the documentation and determine what does what tasks and what its setting are and where it is located etc.

[Oops_my_bad]

Whatever you do.. just don't leave them your contact details

 

Where are you off to anyway if you don't mind my asking

[sqdge]

Where are you off to anyway if you don't mind my asking

 

I'm off to America to experience the school system over there, eat their far more superior peanut butter, and marry my girlfriend (not necessarily in that order).

[StewartKnight]

I tip I've learned the hard way (as people who know mr will believe)...

 

Don't burn bridges (unless you have to!!)

[pete]

Document config files / setups that aren't already done.

Document any ongoing projects.

Document anything that looks bizarre, but is necessary.

 

Check that the job description for your replacement covers what they need to know. If I've used $foo on the network, the replacement needs to know $foo (or needs to learn PDQ), the job description should cover it.

Be part of the interview process for your replacement.

 

Leave mobile number with hourly rates on sticker in server room.

[Halfmad]

server side scripts and logon scripts etc, I know anyone that replaces me will have trouble figuring these out so WHEN I leave I'll document them all.

[Midget]

"don't burn bridges"

 

What about when the head burns the bridge as you are walking across it ?

[OutToLunch]

Don't take any tips from my predecessor - all I had when I got here was a freshly formatted admin workstation and a bunch of keys (with the vital ones missing!!!). Spent the first 3 months working out what wires went where and then the next 3 trying to work out why the hell they'd done it like that!

[nathan]

I'd try to leave as much documentations as possible and always try leaving on good terms

[Midget]

OTL> that's the correct way. What you didn't notice was the important keys and the 60page network documentation was strapped to the back of the shelving unit.

[OutToLunch]

OTL> that's the correct way. What you didn't notice was the important keys and the 60page network documentation was strapped to the back of the shelving unit.

 

I'd believe that if my office had had any shelves! I had to fight to get some put in to put the servers on so I had a desk to use

[sqdge]

After today, I'm quite tempted to leave them with a smouldering pile of melted plastic and the faint sound of a computer going "Daisy, Daisy..."

[Midget]

Bad day?

[sqdge]

Bad day?

 

How can you tell?

[Midget]

Are you working your notice atm? Do you have holiday due at all? or can you afford to sacrifice 3weeks pay or can start the other job early

 

If like me and one of the above answers is yes, don't turn up on monday.

[FN-GM]

probably not hes going to america

[sqdge]

Are you working your notice atm? Do you have holiday due at all? or can you afford to sacrifice 3weeks pay or can start the other job early

 

If like me and one of the above answers is yes, don't turn up on monday.

 

As FN-G says, I am indeed going to America. But, as it stands, I am not going to work on Monday (the joy of banking up hours), but I do have to go back on Tuesday.

 

However much the school has annoyed me, I don't really want to leave the person who replaces me in the lurch. So, I will probably spend the next 3 weeks sorting out vast descriptions on why my school is in no way configured like any other school in the country...although I'm not quite sure why myself.

 

There will be bits to the job I will miss. There will be bits that I won't. I'll probably try and do a similar job in the US. Although, with no relevant letters after my name that might be difficult.

[FN-GM]

will you still be on edugeek?

[mattx]

What kind of things should I be doing to make the transition from one network manager to another as easy as possible?

 

I would have thought that as a Network Manager already you would already know !!

[Midget]

Completely OT, but FN-Greatermanchester> why do you have a picture of a 14yo in your avatar?

[sqdge]

will you still be on edugeek?

 

Yep - I'll do my best to be a British Ambassador for EduGeek in the United States. I'm not sure how. But I'll do it. After all, I will always need to ask Pointless Questions of the Week just to keep me sane.

 

@mattx: I'm a network manager not an omniscient being (although, many people get confused between the two)

 

@midget: I've often wondered that as well.

[FN-GM]

is there any particular reason why you are going there?

[sqdge]

is there any particular reason why you are going there?

 

Yes - quite a good one. My fiance live there. I'm only going for a month to begin with, but when my visa comes through I will go out there permanently.

[FN-GM]

nice one enjoy it, i don't blame you for leaving here!