I am planning to leave my current job after 6 years. A lot of factors have gone into it, and it was a rough decision for me as I view my current coworkers more as a family than coworkers, but the biggest reason is financially I can’t afford to stay. I know my boss will be upset I’m leaving because I am a valuable worker, but I am extremely underpaid and there is not any room for growth at my company.
In the 6k years I’ve been there, I’ve only had 2 raises. My boss is not known to give raises at all, most of my coworkers are severely underpaid, and his reasoning is that we get good health insurance and the “benefits package” equates to making more money. The two raises in it’s own says something about my work ethic, but even if he gave me a raise I would not be making as much as a new job I’ve been offered in a different field. Heck, I get emails from recruiters all the time about jobs in my current field and position making almost $10 more an hour. I don’t even get an annual raise to equate to cost of living and inflation, and I live/grew up in an area that is so expensive. A 1 bedroom apartment is $2000, which has led to me draining my savings due to not being able to afford any emergency situations which HAVE happened, and my credit card bill has racked up.
I know ultimately I need to do what is best for me finanacially. I just feel a little torn and perplexed on how to write a letter of resignation. I know I don’t owe him any explanation, but my coworkers will be floored at me leaving as I’m a big part of my company, I feel like I often am the backbone, and I know people will ask.
I guess I just need some advice and encouragement that I am doing the right thing.