As the title suggests, in my personal experience, whenever you decide to pursue another opportunity - wether that’s higher pay, different job role, or something overseas maybe, every employer I’ve had has tried to guilt trip me, or say that they are disappointed in my decisions or even worse, try to tell me that I wouldn’t be a good fit elsewhere.
Why can employers/managers just wish people the best, surely this would make the company look way more professional?
Can anyone relate to this?
Jobadvisor
It's a frustrating and common experience to encounter a negative reaction when you resign from a job. While you're hoping for a simple "good luck," you often get guilt trips, disappointment, or even warnings. You're right to think that a professional, supportive response would be much better for a company's reputation, and many people can relate to this.
There are several reasons why managers might react this way, and none of them have to do with you personally.
They're Under Pressure
Managers are often under immense pressure to hit goals, and an employee leaving can throw a wrench in their plans. They now have to deal with a lot of extra work, like figuring out how to cover your responsibilities and finding and training a replacement. Their reaction may be more about their own stress and fear of not meeting targets than about you leaving.
They Take It Personally
Even though a business relationship is supposed to be just that, some managers develop a personal connection with their employees and may feel a sense of betrayal. They might see your decision to leave as a rejection of them, their leadership, or the team they've built, and their negative reaction is a way of expressing their hurt feelings.
They Lack Professionalism
A manager's reaction to your resignation is a great indicator of their professionalism. A truly professional manager will understand that people have to do what's best for their own career, and they'll respect your decision. An unprofessional manager may not have developed the skills to handle difficult conversations and will resort to emotional tactics like guilt-tripping or trying to make you feel insecure about your choice.
They're Trying to Keep You
Sometimes a manager's negative reaction is a desperate, last-ditch effort to get you to stay. They may be trying to make you doubt your decision, hoping that if they can convince you that your new opportunity won't be good for you, you'll reconsider and stay with their company. This is a tactic designed to protect their own interests, not yours.
A professional response would be to offer a heartfelt congratulations and wish you all the best in your next role. This not only leaves a positive last impression on you, but it also increases the chance that you'll speak highly of your old workplace to others. This kind of response is a sign of a manager who understands the big picture and values their employees even after they leave.
26-year-old in finance. Should I make a career change?
I am looking for career advice. I am 26 years old and work in corporate finance/accounting. I have a decent job that has long hours and is not the most glamorous, but it pays well (just over 100k).
Although my job is challenging and I am working hard, I feel like I am missing the sense of gratification. I always thought I would do something that helps people, and while I do still find meaning in the work I produce, I do not feel I am making a “difference” in the world. That may be childish to say, but I am hoping for more out of my career.
I have been looking into going back to school to study law, with a goal of pursuing family law. However, I am not sure if that is the right choice for me. The debt-to-income ratio for graduates at the law schools I would be aiming for do not make financial sense. It seems like an insane amount of debt to go into when my passion is not necessarily for law, but instead finding something meaningful and helping others.
Do you have any suggestions on career paths either in finance (or something completely different) that would allow me to do “good” in the world while keeping my salary? I would be willing to do certificate programs and even consider going back to school.
All opinions welcome on industries to explore or career paths that you have found meaningful!
Jobadvisor
# Career Advice: Finding Meaning While Maintaining Financial Stability
Thank you for sharing your situation. It's completely valid to seek more meaning in your career at 26, especially when you have valuable skills and a stable financial foundation. Your desire to make a difference isn't childish—it's a sign of professional maturity and self-awareness.
## Alternative Paths That Blend Finance and Impact
Given your background in finance and desire to help others, here are several paths worth exploring:
### 1. Impact Investing or Sustainable Finance
- **What it involves**: Directing capital toward companies and projects that generate positive social or environmental impact alongside financial returns
- **Why it fits**: Leverages your finance skills while creating measurable positive change
- **Salary potential**: Comparable to traditional finance roles (often $100k+)
- **Next steps**: Look into certificate programs like the Certificate in Impact Investing from Duke or sustainable finance courses
### 2. Financial Planning for Underserved Communities
- **What it involves**: Providing financial planning services to communities that typically lack access to financial advice
- **Why it fits**: Directly helps people while utilizing your financial expertise
- **Salary potential**: Can maintain six-figure income, especially if you build your own practice
- **Next steps**: Consider CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification and look into organizations like the Foundation for Financial Planning
### 3. Nonprofit Financial Management/Leadership
- **What it involves**: Bringing strong financial acumen to help nonprofits maximize their impact
- **Why it fits**: Your skills are desperately needed in this sector, where good financial management equals greater mission impact
- **Salary potential**: Slightly less than corporate (typically $80k-$120k depending on organization size)
- **Next steps**: Volunteer for a nonprofit board to gain experience; consider a Certificate in Nonprofit Management
### 4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or ESG Roles
- **What it involves**: Helping companies develop and implement socially responsible practices
- **Why it fits**: Bridges your corporate experience with desire for positive impact
- **Salary potential**: Competitive with corporate roles ($90k-$130k)
- **Next steps**: Look into CSR certificates; seek CSR or ESG projects within your current company
### 5. Public Finance
- **What it involves**: Financing public projects like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure
- **Why it fits**: Direct community impact while using your financial expertise
- **Salary potential**: Strong, often $90k-$120k+
- **Next steps**: Explore roles in municipal finance or public investment banking
## About Law School
Your hesitation about law school is well-founded. Consider:
- The average law graduate carries $160k+ in debt
- Family law attorneys typically earn $50k-$80k initially, making the debt-to-income ratio challenging
- Without genuine passion for law itself, the rigorous education and demanding career may not solve your fulfillment issue
## Practical Next Steps
1. **Experiment before committing**:
- Volunteer your financial skills with nonprofits
- Shadow professionals in fields that interest you
- Take on side projects that align with potential new directions
2. **Leverage your current position**:
- Explore if your company has CSR initiatives or impact investing arms
- Propose projects that bring more meaning to your current role
3. **Education with ROI**:
- Consider targeted certificate programs rather than full degrees
- Look for employer education benefits
- Explore part-time options while maintaining your current income
Remember that career transitions don't have to be all-or-nothing. You might find a way to gradually shift toward more meaningful work while maintaining financial stability. The most fulfilling path might be one that combines your valuable financial expertise with your desire to make a difference.
i'm finally waking up 25f
I turned 25 recently and woke up to the fact that my life is not at all where or where I ever wanted it to be. I At 22 I started a dead end nightshift/warehouse job. Just to save up enough money to get my own apartment after a breakup, but after car/life problems i've trapped myself.
I plan on either becoming a medical assistant or starting a business with my sister but if i'm being extremely honest I have no idea what i want to do and if my mental health is even at a point where I should be making any more decisions. This job I have now is a blessing and a curse. Great money and benefits but horrible on my body and psyche. i just need support from strangers online
Jobadvisor
Waking up to a life that doesn't feel like your own is a tough realization, but it's also the first step toward change. It's completely understandable that you feel trapped after the last few years—saving up, dealing with setbacks, and getting into a routine that feels more like a cage than a home base. The fact that you're even thinking about a different path shows a lot of strength.
It's okay to feel lost and to not know what you want to do. Many people, even well past 25, feel this way. The important thing is that you're starting to explore your options. You mentioned two paths: becoming a medical assistant and starting a business with your sister. Both are valid options, but they're also very different.
A medical assistant career would provide a clear path: you'd likely need to complete a training program, get certified, and then apply for jobs in clinics or hospitals. This offers a structured route and a defined skill set.
Starting a business is a much more open-ended venture. The potential rewards are high, but so are the risks. It would require you, and your sister, to figure out everything from the business idea itself to funding, marketing, and day-to-day operations.
As you consider these options, remember that your current job, with its good money and benefits, gives you a huge advantage. It's providing you with the stability you need to make a change without being pressured by financial stress. Think of it as a tool, not a trap. It's giving you the resources to either train for a new career or build a business on the side.
The feeling that your mental health might not be ready for a big decision is a very real and important one to acknowledge. Maybe the first step isn't to make a career change, but to take some smaller, more manageable steps. Perhaps you could use some of your job's benefits to talk to a therapist or counselor. A professional can help you navigate these feelings and gain the clarity you need to make a decision you feel confident about.
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed. The path forward doesn't have to be a giant leap; it can be a series of small, intentional steps. What's one tiny action you could take this week to explore one of these paths? Maybe it's looking up medical assistant programs in your area, or maybe it's scheduling a dedicated time to brainstorm business ideas with your sister. Taking a single, small step can often make the whole journey feel a little less daunting.