Stop Feeling Guilty About Quitting Your Job - The Muse

Stop Feeling Guilty About Quitting Your Job - The MuseStop Feeling Guilty About Quitting Your Job A little over two years ago, I welches seven months into my first real job. Full-time, salaried, benefits- the whole package. But the honeymoon period was over. It took me half a year to realize that, though the amenities at this company were beyond stellar, I just wasnt happy. And I couldnt stay solely because of the perks.Id made my final decision As soon as I was offered a new opportunity, I was leaving. But I felt guilty. Really, uncomfortably, guilty.My manager at the time was a smart, kind, and patient individual, and he made it clear that he valued me and wanted me to be happy. But the reality was, unless he created a completely new position for me- a role that didnt even exist at the company yet- there wasnt anything he could do to make me like my role mora. Bottom line It was a bad fit and I needed out. But because he truly respected me, even though I was an entry-level minion ( or at least, thats how some of my colleagues made me feel), I felt horrible about starting up my job search again. And I was desperately afraid of hurting his feelings. On top of that, I also knew he was wildly busy. If I left, more and more tasks would pile onto his already overflowing plate. This wasnt the only source of my guilt, though. Growing up, society had taught me that you choose a career and you stay there- forever. While I knew this wasnt necessarily the case anymore, I couldnt help but think, How can I leave after only seven months? This company had invested in me, taken a risk on me, and I was going to leave them high and dry, abandoning my commitment and appearing unreliable?For weeks, I was so guilt-ridden that I spoke to everyone I knew about it (sorry, guys). One day, as I was walking from the metro station to my apartment, I called my grandmother. When the conversation got to the topic of work, I expressed my current mindset. After a few moments, she said to me, N ow, dont take this the wrong way, but your company was fine before you, and theyll be just fine after you. Drop the mic.Wait a second- did my grandmother just tell me I didnt matter? Basically, yes. But she wasnt saying it to be unkind. She was speaking the truth. The very sobering truth To my company, I was elend irreplaceable. In no way am I suggesting that those I worked for didnt care about me. That would be a flat out lie. What I am saying, is that I wasnt vital to the companys success. Yes, I did my job well, even if I didnt understand the healthcare and IT lingo half of the time (read 95% of the time).But there were plenty of other people out there who could do it well, too. And, furthermore, there were likely some who could do it much better. My company would be just as happy with any of those candidates, and, until then, theyd redistribute my work and move forward relatively seamlessly.Again, I know- its no fun to recognize that your employer just isnt that into you (reject ion is hard). Sure, your boss probably doesnt want you to leave, but it also wont be the end of the world if you do. And, furthermore, if he ever had to dismiss you from your position for the good of the company, hed probably do it before hed volunteer to quit out of protest. Its nothing personal- its just the way the world works. As Jenny Foss, Muse Master Coach and President of Ladder Recruiting Group, LLC, explains, If your employer were facing budget cuts or layoffs, and your job was going to be among those impacted, do you think that your managers or the HR director would spend endless hours wringing their hands with guilt before they alerted you of the layoff? Probably not. Sure, on a personal level they may feel badly. Were all human, after all. But theyd surely realize that this is business, and in business, difficult decisions sometimes need to be made.And you know what? That street goes both ways. This is your life. And in your life, difficult decisions sometimes need to b e made.When my grandmother gave me this advice, something clicked. I cant say I was completely guilt-free from that point forward (sneaking around and job searching is always going to feel a bit sketchy to me), but a substantial burden was lifted off my shoulders. Maybe it was because I wasnt soliciting advice- I didnt ask, What do you think I should do, or Do you think its OK for me to look for a new position? She was simply speaking her mind, saying what she thought without any prompting. But mostly, I think its because her words reminded me whats important in my life- for me, its my constant support system. Its the friends and family who I know will be by my side rain or shine. I know in my heart my grandmother will always love me. Hands down. No decision I make about my career can change that.In a way, this revelation brought me back down to earth. It reminded me that my job is not the most important thing in my world. Nor is the company I work at. And so, I shouldnt be so torn up about something that isnt part of my foundation. Something that wont love me no matter what. At the end of the day, I needed to do what was best for me. And that was leaving. ASAP.If you decide to leave your company- thats perfectly fine. Do I think you should leave every position you have after seven months? Nah, probably not a good idea. But if youve determined its definitely time for you to move on, do it. Dont let guilt hold you back. Just make sure you quit with grace. (P.S. Thanks, Mom-mom. Youre the best.)