I was recruited for a better role at a different company.

Anonymous

February 4,2024 at 2:36PM UTC

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I was recruited for a better role at a different company.

I have worked in HR (talent acquisition) for a Manufacturing company for the last 2.5 years. My current company took a chance on me and helped me start my career. However the organization is very lean and multiple people do multiple jobs, on a never ending basis. We recently went through a rebranding sans Marketing team. All of the updates and communication fell on me. There is zero communication from leadership and none of our policies benefit the employees. Benefits are not stellar, PTO accruals are horrid and we offer no professional development plans. I work fully remote and never get the opportunity to travel to the corporate office. I feel like it’s been impacting my mental health to spend so much of my time isolated at home. I moved recently for my husband’s job and I really don’t see anyone outside of my home. All of that said, I really enjoy my boss. She has taught me a lot and we get along well. I was recently approached with an opportunity for a higher level position for more money on a hybrid schedule at a smaller organization. I went to the interview and stayed for 2 hours. I see a lot of ways I could have a positive impact on the organization and I felt like it was somewhere a place I would really fit in. They made me an offer the very next day. I have been crippled with anxiety ever since. I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule in my current role and I don’t want to let anyone down. My boss is doing the full-time job of two people so to leave her with my workload makes me feel incredibly guilty. I also am so excited about the opportunity to work on-site and manage employee engagement programs and retention initiatives. I don’t want to make a mistake and regret my decision either way. Why does it feel so debilitating?

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AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 3:08PM UTC
First, your feelings are not wrong, they are feelings. It's okay to have them. That said, you are replaceable. If you have found a position that excites you, you have no obligation to engineer an exit beyond providing a handover document and notice. Put your anxiety into a good handover document to set them up for success. Maybe craft a personal note of thanks. You deserve the opportunity for a better match. Take it.
AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 3:34PM UTC
I also work in TA and was laid off after 18 years. Trust me when I say they wouldn’t think twice about letting you go. It sounds like you have an amazing opportunity to do something you are passionate about and you owe it to yourself to give the new opportunity a chance. Give 2 weeks notice and leave on good terms. If your boss wants what’s best for you she will wish you all the best in your new opportunity. Best of luck!
AnonymousFebruary 4,2024 at 5:31PM UTC
This is a case of "Which is worse? The demon I know vs. the demon I don't know." It is also typical in a job where you see your current coworkers and managers having to step up to fill the gap when you leave. Right now, your mental health should be your priority, and it sounds like the new job is the answer to the misgivings you have with your current company. Since you are fully remote, you are likely invisible to anyone except your direct manager. That puts you at risk for a reduction in force. Your loyalty is seldom repaid in kind, and this sounds like the kind of company that wouldn't hesitate to start reductions with the remote. The new job may be everything you are looking forward to and more, but it will also have a downside, so go in with a positive attitude and learn all you can during your probation period. You've. Got. This.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 5,2024 at 3:12AM UTC
Guilty about what? Wanting what's best for you? Wanting a job you're happy and fulfilled in?
I PROMISE you none of your team members have ever, will ever, say "Gee, I'd really love to take this great new job but I'd feel so guilty leaving Anonymous". Not gonna happen.
That company could lay you off tomorrow and never give it a second thought.
Your boss is basically in the same boat as you. What happens if you stay and she leaves? Then you'll have her two jobs on top of what you already have.
I'm trying to understand why you haven't already turned in your resignation to a company with crappy benefits, crap PTO, no professional development and isolation that is actually impacting your mental health - all for less money than the offer you have on the table.
Please know that you have every right to be happy and fulfilled in your job. You have a responsibility to yourself (and those in your life effected) to make the best decisions for you.
As an employee, all you really have to invest is your time. I recommend you invest your time in a better run company where it will pay off for you in the long run. Accepting a new job isn't necessarily a "final destination". If the new job isn't the right fit for you, fire that resume back up and find another one.
Actually if your goal is to continue to increase your compensation and grow your career, typically the best way to do that is to switch companies every couple of years.
Is the company you're currently working for the company you want to work for for the rest of your working life? If not, what are you waiting for.
Doing what's best for you is taking back your power. Being miserable is a choice - choose to be happy!
AnonymousFebruary 5,2024 at 6:09PM UTC
If the company you currently worked for needed to restructure the company would not feel guilty about letting you go.
Understandably, you may feel sad about leaving your current employer, especially if you have built close relationships with them. However, it's important to expand and grow in your career, and you have been presented with a rare opportunity in this market. It's advisable to take it. Give your current employer a two-week notice and offer to help find and train someone if that's an option.
Good Luck moving forward! You got This!
GirlBossanova934974February 6,2024 at 3:29PM UTC
After several decades in the workforce, I can honestly say sometimes you have to make hard choices and this is one of them. You don't get your cake and candles. The wise course is to move on to the new company. No doubt about it. Your old boss will hire someone else in due time. You can count on that. THAT BEING SAID, please understand that you were in a pretty good spot in your old job. You got to set your own schedule. You didn't have to commute. Most importantly, you got plenty of career advancement opportunities though not getting paid for them. All that stuff you did goes straight on your resume! And other employers will pay you well for that experience. Last but not least, experience is hard to come by these days. The workforce these days is loaded with people who jealously guard their roles. They share nothing. Well rounded employees are very hard to come by as a result.