To feel so guilty handing my notice in?

[Pinkmagic1]

I was made redundant last year due to covid. I was extremely fortunate to walk into another job straight away, but in an entirely different sector. It was not something I would have chosen, but the management have made me feel extremely welcome, provided expensive training and even a bonus at Christmas, despite the fact I had only been there 5 minutes.
I attended an interview last week for a job in an in a sector I am extremely passionate about and the one which I studied at college. I have been trying to break into this sector for quite some time but it is quite competitive with lots of applicants for positions. Much to my delight I was offered the position yesterday.
However I feel extremely guilty about handing my notice in at my current workplace given how lovely they have been. I am off today and am getting anxious about making the call, more anxious than i was for actually attending the interview for the new job! Help me summon up the courage!

People move on.
Your current employer will surely have been aware that you did not come from another company in that branch of business and will not be surprised that you are moving on to somewhere that is relevant for your qualifications.
I am certain that if your present employer was cutting back, there wouldn't be a moment's hesitation in applying the LIFO principle.
Why do you need to telephone your notice? Do it formally in writing with, perhaps, a quick FYI to your boss.
Keep it short and factual.

I see where you're coming from and all this 'But Would A Man Feel Guilt' often isn't helpful when you are just not set that way. In your position I would weigh up the pros and cons which you have and if this is your passion then there you go. It will feel a bit awkward if that's how your personality is built. So yanbu to feel the way you do but look at it thus... training and a welcoming environment is the norm - that you feel that was special says a lot about the world of work. Write a letter and get in some wine to toast your continued success!

I mean expensive training and a welcoming environment often is not the norm so that it's seen as special says a lot about the world of work and us as workers within it.

You're not doing anything wrong. You're not unreasonable for feeling a bit disloyal, that's natural, but it's not totally rational and it's not a basis for making life decisions. You're probably underestimating your contribution to the org you've been working for, they clearly thought you were worth investment and they've probably had a good return already. Thank them warmly, tell them how good they've been - feedback is a useful parting gift - and move to your new role with a clear conscience. They'll wish you well, I'm sure. Good luck!

I can understand you feeling guilt but you need to stick with what interests you , we often work so many hours a day that we should aim to get satisfaction from what we do . Ps I think if this was my DH he would feel guilt as well so I do not agree with PP about men.

Don't hand your notice in until you have a formal offer/contract in place.

@TheyIsMyFamily

Don't hand your notice in until you have a formal offer/contract in place.

Good point.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to move on for such a good reason and if they're half as nice as you say they are, they'll understand. Key is to make sure you are a good departer - ie make sure you give plenty of notice, be accommodating to facilitate any support they need you to give to help a new person etc.

This happens all the time. They will be used to it and they will happy for you getting to do what you really want to do. And congrats on the new job!

Alternative way of looking at it is, if they needed to get rid of you, they would and not feel guilty about it.

You need to remove the emotion. It's a job. Be respectful and professional but do what's right for you.

Thanks for the replies. I have to call as it is my day off and it only a small family run concern so would be wrong to just fire off an email. I will of course follow up with an email.

@yoyo1234 I think it was my comment. But if you re-read it you'll see we actually agree!!

@Pinkmagic1 And remember you're only going to be feeling like this for a short while. As soon as you get started over there you won't even really care so much - all going well that is. But this feeling is very temporary so hang on to that!

@PhilCornwall1

Alternative way of looking at it is, if they needed to get rid of you, they would and not feel guilty about it.

Exactly. The "lovely people" who have made you feel so welcome might not even get a say in it. Redundancies usually originate right at the top, well above the people you have day to day interaction with.

Nah don't feel guilty, it's just a job. It gives someone else the chance to work somewhere with lovely people :)

I get this is hard OP. You do sound really lovely and genuine and if you just tell them what you said in your OP, I am sure they will understand and (as inconvenient as it may be for them), support you with your decision. Congrats on the new job

Step back - your current employers create a nice environment because they think it helps/want it to be a nice place to work. And quite right - but they aren’t your friends - it’s a job. Just say thanks and someone else will get your nice job.

The only thing I would say is don't resign on a Friday.

I was gutted when my assistant left. She was brilliant and I loved working with her.

When she told me she had a new job I hugged her, congratulated her, asked if she was leaving because she was unhappy or just needed more challenge, and cracked on with the admin.

If they are a nice company they’ll deal with it professionally.

i think you should wait for the new contract. anything can happen.

Just go for it!
If it is as you say, then you need to take this opportunity.

Loyalty means nothing these days.

Would they hesitate if their business is having a downturn and they need to make people redundant?

You come over kind and considerate OP, a lot of people would walk away without a second glance if they were offered a job in something they loved so much and studied hard for.

They also sound like a great place to work for and I'm sure they will treat your replacement with the same kindness you were shown, with the economic situation it the way it is at the moment, l'm sure they will have a new recruit in no time 👍

As others have said make sure you have the new job offer in formal writing, before you move on.

Good luck with things, l'm sure you will be a credit to your new employer.

It's got to be done, because the alternative is turning down the job you just got!

Write yourself a script for the phone call (you can use words from the OP)

A new recruit did this in our organisation after only 3 months. It happens. It's just another thing for the organisation to adjust to.