Guilt about Resigning - Help me do it Please

[Nidy]

I have read some excellent advice here over the years and would be very grateful if you could let me know how I should handle this work resignation situation.

I ran a very successful business for over 10 years but decided to close it down a couple of years back due to burn out. Last year, my youngest twins started school and I decided it was time to get back into the workforce. I took a Maternity cover position as an ‘Office Manager’. The cover was due to last 5 months. I knew the management were very impressed with my work so when the maternity leave finished in Jan this year, I put together a proposal to sell myself for another open role in the company - learning the ropes and working my way up the ladder. Although I have a degree and business experience, it’s in a completely different industry to the role I was going after. The management readily agreed, and I was given the job. To date, they have been extremely happy with my work, no issues whatsoever. I have been doing the new job now for approx. 7 months. However, I really do not enjoy it – I find it very stressful – the subject matter we deal with on a day to day basis is BORING. I get on with it, manage to appear like everything is honky dory but I find every day a struggle. So here is where I need advice. After having discussions with my husband, I have decided that I will resign in the next couple of months. I am not sure though how I should frame the resignation to my boss. I am extremely grateful that they took a risk on me, they put in so much time and effort with training etc. The job they gave me should have taken somebody 4 years of training in that field and they gave me a shot without experience.

When having a conversation with my boss, I would like to say that I can continue for as long as they need me, which is true, I don’t mind working for 3 or 4 more months more as long as I know I will be leaving at some point. I want to tell him that if they ever need cover, I would be more than happy to do so. But I am not sure how I should frame all of this. I suppose I feel bad/guilty for jumping ship after they took a punt on me! If anyone has some words of wisdom for me, I would be happy to take it on board. Thanks a mill

What is it that you find hard about your job? I'm just wondering if you could extend your responsibilities or shift to another area that might be more interesting for you?

But I think what you've said here is very fair, and you can say this to your boss - you're grateful for the opportunity but you are now looking for more of a challenge. You're happy to give an extended notice period and help them find the right person to take over the role, and you'd be happy to keep in touch and give support if and when needed in future. But you do not see a long term future for yourself in this role.

I think if you phrase it this way, it will be fine. I would consider writing a letter/email to this effect and following up with a face to face discussion. That way it will be very clear. Good luck!