[jcmanson]

I work in a community bank in a consulting division. We are a 2 man shop. My boss semi-retired 12 months ago, is now working part-time, and I assumed all of his responsibilities. In a meeting with the President/CEO of the bank 12 months ago, he told me the plan is for me to take over this consulting division moving forward. For a multitude of reasons and without going into details, I am currently seeking employment elsewhere.

My “boss” is pushing me to hire someone to replace him so he can retire full-time. Do I move forward in looking for someone to hire knowing I could hire this person and as soon as they begin working here I could leave? If I leave, this consulting division could be shut down, and this new hire could be out of a job.

[Sly Fox]

You need to look out for your family first. But it may take a awhile to find the right situation.

[Schfourteenteen]

I've been slightly on the other side of this, where I was hired into a 3 man dept while the other 2 knew they were leaving within a month. It definitely made my life more difficult, but our league has the unfortunate duty of bringing in money to balance our professional league losses, so the loss of a job never really crossed my mind.

IMO it kinda depends on how quickly you can find a new gig. Now would be great. 4-6 months would be great, where you're still leaving the new guy enough time to become sufficiently competent. In reality though, your career can't be dictated by someone else's when this someone isn't your boss.

[JK37]

To add my .02: it doesn't sound yet as if a transition is definitely in your future. You must perform your duties daily as mindful of future possibilities, but acting foremost based on the reality of the circumstances as they are - not what they COULD be.

[jcmanson]

Thank you all for your insight. It reiterates to me what I was thinking myself.

I was just having a hard time in my mind hiring someone when I could in turn leave immediately after they're hired. Then not knowing if this person I just hired, would still have a job.

But as you stated JK, I can't act based on what "could be." Thanks