lesson 12: why resigning is harder than you think

sure, everyone's had the fantasy of some elaborate plan to quit their job in a highly dramatic fashion, or maybe just on a post-it. for most people, resigning is emotional and stressful. maybe you like your boss, maybe you don't. maybe you're leaving for a better salary, or better work-life balance, or making a career shift. or maybe you're moving across the country. whatever the reason, resigning is never really easy.

many people have expressed this reality to me, and are surprised that they feel a certain way. for most people, it's a bittersweet moment. this post isn't about how to resign, this is about the emotion that goes with it. when you resign you know you're disappointing your boss, team and current employer. that can make you feel guilty, or question if you made the right decision (even though you know you did). but the thing to remember is that you'll never be able to make everyone happy, and the most important person to make happy, is yourself.

another layer that can be difficult is if you're current employer extends a counter-offer, trying to get you to stay. it can make any pangs of guilt or uncertainty feel even stronger. who doesn't want more money, right? but, the best way to navigate is to know you made the right decision in the first place, and for the right reason. you've also made friends at work and it probably feels sad to leave them, but you shouldn't stay in a job just for the people. the best part of making friends at work, is that you can stay friends if you don't work together and not have to talk about work all the time, too. that's just the added bonus. 

photo cred: jackie stauffer @ The White House