Dear Doctor,
I have been working at the same place for eight years. I don’t really have any complaints about the job because I started working at the lowest level and I have slowly worked my way up the ladder. I did not expect to walk in and become boss of the place like some people I have seen. After doing my job and doing it well for all of these years I am now in the position to be the next manager.
The manager that I work for is a very nice person and she likes her job. Because of her education she will never get any higher in the company and she understands this. But this means that, even though I have the education, I will never get promoted because I will always be behind her.
Now, someone has offered me a job where I know I will get a chance to advance. I feel guilty about leaving this one though, because they have been good to me. How will I tell them I am leaving just for more money?
/s/ Loyal
Dear Loyal,
When you write your letter of resignation, explain to them in detail why you are going. Believe it or not, there are bosses out there who understand when you have to change jobs, even when you don’t want to. Hopefully, your bosses will be this type. If they are not, you still have to make the change because after all, your bosses are looking after their own best interests while you must look after yours.
If your bosses are smart, they will figure out a way to make a lateral promotion for you. They could do this by creating a position where you and your manager are equals. Then it would be possible to promote you without removing her.
By the way, studies have shown that people who change jobs a few times in their life go farther than those who stay in one job or those who frequently change.
