The Guilty Feeling of Leaving a Job for Something Better (And Why It’s Totally OK!)

Have guilt for wanting to leave a job?

Ah, the bittersweet moment when you finally decide to leave a job. Your dream job, side hustle, or maybe just a paycheck that paid the bills. You've been weighing the pros and cons, drafting resignation emails in your head (or in your Notes app), and telling yourself, "This is what’s best for me." Yet, there’s that little voice in your head whispering, "But what about your coworkers? Your boss? The office coffee machine you’ve bonded with over the years?"

Yep, we’ve all been there—wracked with guilt for leaving a job to chase something better. Spoiler alert: it’s completely normal. But let’s talk about why that guilt exists, how to deal with it, and why you shouldn’t let it hold you back.

Step One: Acknowledge the Guilt

First of all, let’s call guilt what it is: a sign that you care. It’s a reflection of your integrity, your relationships, and your human-ness. That’s not a bad thing! But guilt, my friend, has a sneaky way of keeping us stuck.

Maybe you’re worried about letting your team down or feel loyal to a boss who’s been supportive. Or perhaps you’re feeling like leaving means “quitting,” and gasp, quitting feels like failure. Newsflash: it’s not! Sometimes, moving forward means closing a chapter—even a good one.

Step Two: Flip the Script

Here’s the thing: leaving a job isn’t just about saying goodbye—it’s about saying yes to something better. You’re not abandoning your coworkers or burning bridges (unless you leave in a blaze of rage... which we don’t recommend). You’re making room for someone else to step into your role and grow while you take your next step.

Think of it like this: ever upgrade your phone? You don’t feel bad for retiring your old one, do you? (Okay, maybe a little when you see it collecting dust in the drawer.) The same logic applies here. Jobs are meant to serve you, not the other way around.

Step Three: Handle Your Exit Like a Pro

One way to minimize guilt is to leave with grace. Here’s how:

Give Proper Notice: Two weeks is the norm, but if you can give more time, do it. It’s a classy move that shows you care about a smooth transition.
Offer to Help Train Your Replacement: Nothing says “I care” like leaving things better than you found them.
Write a Heartfelt Goodbye Email: Even if you’re not that close to your coworkers, expressing gratitude for the experience can leave a positive, lasting impression.

Step Four: Embrace the Bigger Picture

Remember, your career is a journey, not a one-way street. It’s okay to take detours, stop at scenic viewpoints, or completely switch lanes. The people you’ve worked with will understand—they’re likely on their own journeys too!

And let’s be honest: no one is irreplaceable (sorry, Beyoncé). Life goes on, and so does the company. Meanwhile, you’ll be off thriving in your new gig, feeling fulfilled, and maybe even inspiring others to take leaps of their own.

Final Thoughts

Feeling guilty about leaving a job is a natural part of the process, but don’t let it overshadow the excitement of what’s next. Your growth isn’t selfish; it’s essential. So, pack up your desk (and maybe that cute plant you brought from home), say your goodbyes, and walk out with your head held high.

You’ve got big things ahead—and who knows? That old job might end up being just a stepping stone to the best version of you.

Have you ever felt guilty about leaving a job? How did you handle it?

Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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