Accept position in city other than primary residence? Logistical help?

I'm in a similar situation as 2x2's posting but creating a new thread for attention and more discussion.

Wife, kid and I are settled in San Francisco but accepted a consultant position at a MBB in another big city---figured we can make Fri-Sun parenting work if I can transfer back in ~12months. 1.Is this being too optimistic? West coast offices are much smaller is the reason I got for location situation. 2. Also trying to figure out best ways to make this work---should I get another apt in new city or can I expense Mon-Thurs, and fly home Fridays? 3. How much time do first year consultants get between projects? 4. What's the best way to bring up this topic and how soon can one try?

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I had a friend do something similar (though no kids) between two northeast offices (for example DC and Philly). He rented a room in the city where he was staffed out of (Philly). He worked on the road Mon-Thurs, spent Thurs night in his rented room in Philly, worked from the Philly office Fri morning, then hopped on a train in the afternoon to home, DC.

After about 9 months, he built up enough clout to the point where he didn't need to be in Philly on Friday, so he simply flew back to DC. He would work Friday from the MBB office in DC. He also tried to get as many projects staffed local to his primary residence.

My suggestion is to be honest with your staffer and make a great first impression. If you're good and trusted, they'll let you work from wherever.

 

Thanks, Phdconsultant.--- it's heartening to know that I won't be the first crazy trying this out. On a related note: is it a good idea to bring this up with partners early on in the firm?

 

I'm not sure of the best time to bring it up. My recommendation would be the following: on your first project, be open with your teammates upfront about your challenges in your work-life balance. They probably have had similar challenges and can help you navigate your way. Once you have a few projects under your belt, then you can bring it up with you staffer and try to get staffed on projects that are closer your family.

 
  1. Not too optimistic, have seen it happen before

  2. Doesn't make sense to have apartment in New city unless family is joining you there.....you won't be around to use it. You will most likely be expected to make appearances in your hub office once in a while on Fridays. Then you'll likely fly back to SF on Friday evening. If you do this once a month, points should make it relatively feasible to stay at hotel in a hub office city on Thursday night and then fly home on Friday night

  3. 1 week to 2 weeks depending on length.

  4. May depend on your ratings and your comfort level with someone at your firm that can assist in the process. Probably wouldn't start before 4-6 mos.

 

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