I changed jobs 2 years ago after having many years of experience under my belt in my profession. I was tempted into a role in the private sector. The pay and opportunities seemed great.
However from the day I started the job it wasn't what I was told it would be in the offer letter - a huge part of the role was not going to happen. I've spent the best part of my time since working on some very diverse projects and I've got good relationships with my colleagues, and they are great people, but l just don't like the job because it's not what I signed up for and is really stressful. I've given it a good shot but decided last month to start looking for another job. I had no intention to look to at working for the competition, even a complete change of scene would have been fine (but hard to match a salary on).
Last week, an opportunity came up to work for a direct competitor and they've asked if I'd consider working for them in a more niche area which would suit me. This company would have been in my top two to work for before I got my current job, and I know one or two people there well. I know that leaving where I am now would cause a problem for the people I work for. I'm not sure how often this happens in private sector jobs. Some senior people where I work now have worked for competitors before, but I've never done anything like this and I feel quite bad about doing it.
Am I wrong to leave this job so soon and work for a competitor? They are great people but I don't like the work. I'd constantly bump into my current colleagues at promotional shows and would feel initially very awkward. The pay is pretty similar so not a factor.