Making the decision to change career

Oh, the times I’ve been in this position! That feeling of triumph and nervous excitement as you travel to work knowing you’re going to hand in your notice… So why, after the act, is there a feeling of guilt? The relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam says: ‘Resignation feels like you’re holding the winning cards – you have a new role to go to, a big plan, and you are declaring that you’re “off to bigger and better pastures new”. It happens in relationships too, but there’s a stronger tipping point with a resignation. And when you come to the point of grieving, in comes the feeling of guilt. You wonder, “Did I make the right decision?”, then ask yourself, “How on earth could I feel like this?”. After all, it was you who chose to resign. And then there’s the shame of having effectively told your employer to “stick it”.’ This is where saying goodbye is really important – a leaving do and saying what you need to say to colleagues, even if that means difficult conversations, and acknowledging that you may miss the old role. Be prepared for the surprise of wondering if you did the right thing.