Leaving a job | love for more money and feel awful about it. Did I make the right choice?
I put in my two weeks today at a company I genuinely love. Amazing manager, team, culture, work life balance - I was truly happy there (I’ve only been there 7 months.)
Current comp:
70k base + 30k variable
New role:
120k base + 120k variable
I wasn’t actively looking. This opportunity resurfaced unexpectedly after interviewing there in the past. Financially, it feels life changing for my family and kids.
When I gave notice, my manager immediately countered with a promotion:
80k base + 80k variable
That honestly made this even harder because it showed how valued I am.
Now I feel excited, guilty, anxious, and heartbroken all at once. Part of me worries I’m making a mistake leaving a place where I was genuinely happy, but the financial difference feels too significant to ignore.
Has anyone else left a job they loved purely for financial opportunity? Did it end up being the right move?