Can't believe I actually have something to post here haha
Three years ago our team used to have three people: Our Manager, my coworker, and me. Workload was balanced and we get along well with each other. It was great.
Then our manager resigned for a better position elsewhere. Management promised to find a replacement, and they'd appreciate it if the both of us can split her duties between us for now. We shrugged, because it really wasn't too bad back during Covid.
A few months later, they never did replaced her. No response after poking and prodding. Then blindsided us that they no longer have the headcount. More responsibilities piled up as business returned to normal. Our workload were increasing week after week. I declined taking on more by citing how full my current plate is. My coworker, however, was oddly jumping at the chance of taking on more projects; small to big, more often than not manager level stuff. Attending so much meetings and working with our stakeholders. Despite how he's already overtiming during the weekends just to catch up. It was noticeable: he's gotten more and more tired and snappy due to the stress.
But perhaps they were grooming him to be her successor. Management was not my cup of tea for now so I was happy for him.
Then he submitted his resignation just last month. Lasted almost 1.5 years. I found out later via the grapevine was that he was denied the promotion this year, and so he found another place with better benefits, salary and a functioning team. Not surprising at all.
As for myself, during his handover I was informed I would be taking on his workload alongside my current one. So in total I would have 2 executive's and 1 manager's responsibilities. No talk of raise, promotion, or even when they'd get a replacement.
So obviously not being stupid, I started looking elsewhere. I was prepared to be unemployed as I sure as hell wasn't staying even without getting a new job, but I got lucky with two interviews just within the week of sending out applications. Recieved a great offer just one week after submitting my resignation letter, with a 35% raise and better benefits.
My last day is next week. The department is low-key panicking as they can't find someone else to replace us both so soon. They've resorted to give the workload to two other contract staff, who were hired for something else and did not expect this. Obviously, they were not happy, and I try to complete my handover with them to the best of my abilities.
I will never understand what management expected from this decision.
EDIT: Whoa, hey. Never expected such an response to my post (made on a whim) after just a day. To everyone who have been through this, or is currently going through a similar situation, thank you for sharing. You have both my condolences and best wishes that your next endeavour will be much better.
Take care of yourselves out there, because if you don't, nobody will. And much less from a company taking advantage of your time and labour.