How do I hasten my employer鈥檚 search for my replacement without giving notice?

To help my company out when they were in a bind, I relocated 2 hours away from home to take on a temporary position as branch manager. Very quickly I was promoted again to regional manager. I committed to filling the position for up to 3 months until they could find a replacement.

Well the problem is that it鈥檚 2 years later and I鈥檓 more than ready to go home. I had a meeting with the owner of the company 6 months ago and then 3 months ago in which he committed to finding someone to take over the position. He assured me that he will make a new position for me when I return doing marketing in the corporate offices.

However, I see no action on their part to find a replacement. They haven鈥檛 even placed any ads! I鈥檓 under the impression that they鈥檙e hoping if they keep giving me more money, I will do the job permanently. I鈥檝e made it very clear that it is not an option for me. I鈥檓 getting frustrated because I know it will take me 6 months to train this replacement.

[This question is probably more appropriate in the jobs section.]

Giving notice is your only option -- employees can't dictate the terms of their employment. Start applying for jobs. Once they start receiving reference inquiries, they will know that you're serious about moving-on. They may just be seeing how many years they can get out of you or they may just prefer to train/transfer someone new. (Contrary to popular belief -- no person is irreplaceable in any position.)

Also, if you're a regional manager, you are probably bound to the terms and condition of your employment contract.