Feeling guilty about looking around – at other jobs? I get that from candidates a lot. At all levels.

It’s perfectly normal to feel guilty about interviewing and/or leaving your job. After all, you’ve invested time and energy into building relationships with your colleagues and managers. You may also feel like you’re letting them down, especially if you’re leaving during a busy time or if there are important projects in the pipeline. 😰

But it’s important to remember that you’re not obligated to stay at a job that’s not making you happy or that’s not aligned with your career goals. In fact, staying in a job that’s not right for you can actually be more harmful than beneficial. It can lead to burnout, stress, and health problems. 😵‍💫

Why do we feel guilty about leaving our jobs?

There are a few reasons why we might feel guilty about leaving our jobs:

❗ Loyalty: We may feel loyal to our colleagues and managers, and we don’t want to let them down.

❗ Fear of the unknown: We may be afraid of what the future holds, and we may worry about finding a new job that’s just as good or better than our current one.

❗ Imposter syndrome: We may feel like we’re not good enough for a new job, and we may worry that we won’t be able to live up to expectations.

If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your job, here are a few things you can do:

➡️ Acknowledge your feelings. It’s important to allow yourself to feel guilty, rather than trying to suppress your emotions. Once you’ve acknowledged your feelings, you can start to work through them.

➡️ Remind yourself of your reasons for leaving. Why did you consider looking elsewhere in the first place? What are your career goals? Reminding yourself of your reasons for looking/leaving can help you to feel more confident in your decision.

➡️ Be open and honest with your colleagues and manager. When you give your notice, be open and honest about your reasons for leaving. This will help them to understand your decision and to support you in your transition.

➡️ Leave on a good note. Do your best to wrap up any outstanding projects and to leave your team in a good place. This will help you to feel good about your departure and to maintain positive relationships with your former colleagues and manager.

Remember, you’re not alone. Millions of people leave their jobs every year. It’s a normal part of life. If you’re feeling guilty about leaving your job, be kind to yourself and remind yourself that you’re making the best decision for you. 🏆

Leaving your job can be a difficult decision, but it’s important to remember that – given the information you have – you’re doing what’s best for you. Don’t let guilt hold you back from pursuing your career goals.

#careeradvice #careerguilt #cpajobs #careercoach