My original intent was to give notice last month in November, but there's been some turmoil at work, so I'm holding off for now.
One of my coworkers, who works on the same systems I do, is on a temporary leave of absence to tend to some family matters, leaving me as the only person working on the systems we support.
Also, one of the key people in Support also just left for another company.
My new manager, who came on board a couple weeks ago, had his first one-on-one with me the other day, where I clearly let it be known my 4-year vesting completes in February, and that means the "golden handcuffs are falling off" (I used that exact wording). He's already starting talking about trying to justify moving me to a higher pay band, increasing salary, etc - all the typical BS that managers and HR use to discuss salary. Except I'm not waiting for all that crap.
My new plan is to take advantage of this turmoil while I wait for my lease to run out on the house I rent, and I move back to Colorado. I'm going to wait until my 4-year vesting date in February (which occurs on a Saturday, and is only about 8 weeks from now), and turn in a resignation with a 2 week notice the following Monday.
This is going to make them panic and scramble, I just know it. Especially if anybody else decides to quit before then, as there are rumors others are looking to leave.
I'm going to tell them I have a much better job offer from a competitor. That's not true, as I'm not looking, but I'm going to use it as a ploy. If they want to keep me, they're going to have to give me their "best and final" offer, and it better be a good one.
I can use this ploy to get about a 30% salary increase in my last few months there, before I pull the plug for good a few months later when my lease runs out, and I quit for good and move back to Colorado. I should be able to bank several more thousands of dollars by holding their feet to the fire and forcing them to give me a counter.
It's the first time in my 30+ year career I've had true financial leverage, and I'm going to use it. I know for a fact I'm already underpaid compared to people who have come on board lately. My new manager practically confirmed that at our one-on-one, so I know I can squeeze them for a lot more.
I can't wait to see the look on their faces in February when I turn in my notice.
