I am a senior lead developer at a project for one of our clients at a financial institution. In the foreseeable future, I am going to be removed from this project to work for a different client. This decision was made by our company and it is immutable.
Theoretically I am responsible only for the technical side of the development.
In reality, I am responsible for
- the release management
- BAU-type daily jobs
- architectural decisions
- since there is no PO on the project, I partially do his job
- I advise the Business on how to specify the new development requests
The PM at the client has absolute confidence in me, he builds on me, which is my problem. Regardless of the PM's preferences, I am going to be moved to another client.
I would like to gradually decrease my involvement in the project, so that my transition does not shock the client. This is exactly, what my direct supervisor asked me at my company, and I understand why he asked me this, it is perfectly in alignment with what I want to do. How do I do it, if there is no one to pass these jobs on to? The other developer and at the Client (and other colleagues at the Client) are not capable and trained to handle what I currently do. These people sit in the office and read the online newspapers, instead of working. If they are not reading newspapers, they are talking about abstract theories on agility and scrum. I understand that it is really unprofessional to say this, but these people are a joke.
Should I gradually stop answering letters? Should I remain silent at decision points when people expect me to lead? If I do this, I expect to see damage to the project, which again: is not something I would like to cause. When someone comes to me in need of help, as I am seen as trustworthy, do I refuse it? What should I do?