Handed in my notice but so worried I’ve made the wrong decision

[YourHangryLimeSheep]

I’ve been at my job in the civil service for 18 months now, handed my notice in on Friday and since then I’ve just been in tears worried I’ve made the wrong decision. Throughout the whole interview process I’ve really dragged my feet just because I was so unsure on what to do and I took 2 weeks to hand my notice in to my manager.

I am trying to remember the reasons why I’m leaving and in my rational brain I know the move is for the best and I do have periods of feeling fine with it, but my gut is that I should stay.

If I do stay I’ll have burnt my bridges with the new employer and I’ve also told my manager that I need more money and will have to move on soon, even if within our org.

Has anyone ever felt like this before, how do you get over it? I’ve never ever ever felt like this leaving a job before, in the past it’s been easy!

What were the reasons for you looking for a new role?

I’d do a pros and a cons list. If you go to the new job, is it likely you could return to your current employer in the future?

I had cold feet leaving a job once and ended up returning just over a year later (I’m was in local authority work at the time). But I knew I’d be able
to return if the new job was a bad move, which is why I felt ok giving it a go. And I don’t regret it as I learnt a lot.

Thank you for replying.

I am going back to my previous career (in accountancy) as they have mandated office days which I really need, plus more money and more work. The cons are the amount of work and the poor work/life balance. There is scope for progression within the firm but it’s the only firm here (I moved home to a small city) I could work for which feels very stifling. That’s also why it feels a bit now or never.

I’ve really enjoyed this part of the CS, my team are so nice, good work/life balance and I do enjoy the work. The cons are it’s not very busy and can be slow going, plus no office working. There is scope for progression here but I need to wait for people to leave first. If I wanted to come back I would need to wait for the Scottish Govt recruitment freeze to end.

Either way I will regret my decision I think 😅