I'm feeling guilty about even potentially leaving my organization.

Amelia

August 21,2022 at 1:29PM UTC

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I'm feeling guilty about even potentially leaving my organization. I work in retail, and there are many factors which led to me applying to a bunch of different jobs a couple of weeks ago. The biggest nail in the coffin was not getting a raise at my annual performance review because my sales numbers are far below expectations. This was after a year of hard work supporting my team through a software transition, website development, rewriting dozens of procedures, and plenty of other work I listed out on my review, but was subsequently ignored. I have an interview this week with a remote only company and based on what I've heard about the position, it sounds like my workload will be much less strenuous and allow me to focus on my work. I'm excited and interested to hear more about it in the interview. It may turn out to be a complete dud, but that's life. However, I'm currently grappling with this guilt over leaving my current position. There are things I like about my jobs and things I don't like of course, but I can't get over this thought of quitting and that department being left in a lurch. I feel like my brain is almost gaslighting me into staying where I am. Has anyone been in a similar position? What's your best advice?

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Alexis GladstoneAugust 21,2022 at 2:52PM UTC
Hi Amelia. My advice is always simple in these situations. The company would never hesitate to eliminate yours, or anyone else's job in a reorg, so you don't owe them anything.
It's easy for someone on the outside to say don't feel guilty, but that's really where you need to be. If you interview and take the job, I promise, the organization and department will be just fine when you leave. They might stumble for a bit, but they will get over it.
You need to start being in the mindset of doing what is right for you in your career. Always! If you feel this role may be a great opportunity, go for it. You want to be in a positive mindset about possibly leaving before you go into the interview.
Sam P'hAugust 21,2022 at 4:43PM UTC
@Amelia: listen to Alexis! My thoughts exactly. Corporate loyalty is not a two way street!
Heather CutlerAugust 21,2022 at 5:07PM UTC
I’m with @Alexis!
KatAugust 21,2022 at 3:27PM UTC
I've been there. My last was very stressful-you hit the ground running when you got in and didn't stop until you left. I liked my co-workers and boss, but it was just too much stress for me. I applied for a new job that was a much slower pace & a better fit. Still, I felt so guilty during the whole process because I didn't want to "abandon" my co-workers. I knew leaving would make their jobs harder. I realized there was never going to be a good time to leave. I had to do this for me. That was the most important thing. Life will go on at your old job. But it's time to move forward and what's best for you.
Heather CutlerAugust 21,2022 at 5:06PM UTC
Your employer’s staffing issues aren’t your problem. I promise you if they were in a lurch they’d drop you like a hot potato. Stop extending courtesies that will never be reciprocated. Best of luck in your new role.
Crystal HowellAugust 22,2022 at 12:32PM UTC
Just Do You! They will do them. Unfortunately, good workers leave due to management.
Throw the guilt away, they didn't raise you, I bet they raised themselves. Move on
Vanda LeeAugust 22,2022 at 1:56PM UTC
I’ve felt similar guilt a couple jobs ago but finally learned…..go, go, go….you are replaceable . I’ve kept in touch with my close work friends and the organization replaced me ….a couple of instances with someone who didn’t treat my teams as well as I had but the team members also had the choice to leave. You have to take care of yourself ALWAYS!
AnonymousAugust 22,2022 at 8:07PM UTC
One of the things you can do, to get over the guilt of leaving, is to make sure you do everything you can to set your team up for success in your final weeks with the company. Figure out who would make the most sense to transition certain things to, help people learn any new skills they will need to do things after you leave etc. Do everything in your power to make sure that the lurch felt by the people you work with is as small as possible. This worked for me when I left my last job, so I'm hoping it will work for you.
Good luck! :)
AnonymousAugust 23,2022 at 3:30AM UTC
No need for guilt!
There is an interesting opportunity for you to explore and you owe it to yourself to do so.
You would have no cause for guilt if your current company treated you wonderfully. Given that your hard work has been largely overlooked, you have even less reason to feel guilty.
Guilt is counterproductive and unnecessary. Enjoy your interview!