Explaining Blindside Resignation
I'm putting in my notice to leave my first job out of school soon and I'm seeking advice about how to navigate this in a politically savvy way. I'll be leaving after less than a year (fresh grads typically don't leave until about 18-24 months in). I'm well aware that this puts my current employer in a tough spot-- I'm not a crucial team member, but they've invested in me during my training and ramp-up period.
I've liked my team a lot and done some interesting work, but am leaving for a ~60% raise and role that's more in line with what I want to do in the medium/long term. So I feel bad because even though this is the correct decision for me professionally, (1) it's my first FT job and first resignation and (2) I'm not leaving because I dislike where I'm at, I just like the other opportunity even better.
Any tips on how to approach breaking the news to the team? Group head is aware of my departure and the handful of managers I've told so far have been understanding.
Realistically, I know that all I can do is be honest and that a bridge or two will probably be burned. I'd be interested to hear about other peoples' experiences doing something similar.
They probably won't care that much, don't worry about it. It's just business.
In 3 months people will be like, "what was that guys name who left kinda quickly after starting?". I worked at a place with lots of turnover. And the senior guys actually get more pissed when experienced people leave. They're not mad at the people leaving, but they're losing someone with 3-4 years of group-specific knowledge. You're basically worthless compared to someone with 3-4 years of experience (no offense, all people with 1 year experience are).
It'll probably be a blow initially, especially if you were tied to key projects but no one will really care after a while. You will have been nothing but a minor inconvenience in the long run. No big deal.
Just position the conversation as you leaving for something which is more in line with what you want and that you're super thankful for the experience you've had at your current firm and that you hope you can find a way to work together in the near future. It's a pretty normal conversation for your current firm to hear I'd wager. Good luck on the new role!
Grats on the offer man. I did something similar. Second job offer one year out of school doubled comp so did it in a heart beat (it was a change in an industry). More than a decade passed. No impact on career. Gotta look after yourself first.
Don't forget, they would replace you in a second if they needed to. Don't lose sleep over it, get paid...
OP, you should follow this advice. When you get fucked all over by a company, you will see this is TRUE.
"Loyalty is dead...and ya'll killed it!" - Paraphrasing Dave Chapelle -Wayne Gretsky
When you tell them you’re getting a 60% raise, they won’t have many follow up questions.
Just leave. Don't trick yourself into a guilt loop.
My first employer out of school laid me off when I was 5.5 months into my job. If you ever think you have established some kind of a "bond" with your current firm, may I subtly suggest that you might be deceived by some illusion school has taught us.
i agree with you! btw could i just ask how and why you werelet go 5.5 months into your first job? was it the toxic culture or performance related stuff?
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