Is It OK to Quit if Your Colleagues Will Suffer?

acersaurus on 31/07/2021 - 18:05
Last edited 31/07/2021 - 18:05

I work in a government department and in my area there are only 4 people (including 2 part timers).

My colleagues are really lovely people - best people I've worked with by far. Trouble is I am in a dead end job (end of my band) with projects I am not that satisfied with (albeit not bad). Their work from home policy isn't great - they want me to come in 4 days/week, in part to mentor a graduate. It might eventually be 3 days/week when graduate is settled but it's unclear.

A job has come up with better long term prospects, more interesting work and a better work from home policy. The salary is about the same - 2% higher, but has room to grow in future years. In my industry salaries generally do not differ greatly. I think I would get this job of I went for it.

However there is a skills shortage in my area, and it's also regional ( a larger regional city) but if I quit I fear they won't be able to replace me easily. The workload has gone up a lot like double - because it's driven by customers, and we can't control the amount of customers. Customers have mainly gone up because of Covid. The work load is a bit unrealistic at this stage, however it will get ridiculous if i quit - putting my colleagues in a stressful situation, and as I said my colleagues are lovely people. I also quite like the management at my current work, and in previous jobs I've usually had some pretty unfair or crazy managers. To me that is quite meaningful, and I don't know the management at the other place.

I'm having trouble deciding what to do. What would you do?

Education & Work

Comments

  • sauce2k on 01/08/2021 - 15:16
    +1

    Everybody for themselves do what’s best for you.

    Will your colleague think the same way if she/he was in your position? Maybe but I guess you will never know.

    Something my boss once told us in national meeting that I will remember forever - “everyone is replaceable at work”. You may disagree with this but l certainly do.

  • Vote for Pedro on 01/08/2021 - 15:26
    +1

    Something I learnt very early in my career that has served me well:

    “Doesn’t matter how good you are, everyone is replaceable”

    • aveeno bb on 01/08/2021 - 15:51

      I was gonna say the same thing.

      I don't know why people think they are irreplaceable.

      More likely, the company is just waiting to get rid of you.

  • Sleepfaster on 01/08/2021 - 16:20

    Quit and send your colleagues cookies for being lovely people.

    If they also want to quit after you leave, recruit them over to your new workplace. Win win.

  • gimli on 01/08/2021 - 16:55

    I'd say have a think about what you have enjoyed about your job to keep you going so far.
    If it is simply to make ends meet then sure quit
    But if there is something else then maybe you might want to hang on a bit longer.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 01/08/2021 - 17:21
    +2

    Money isn’t everything. Work life balance is.

    • timmy_tam on 04/08/2021 - 07:30
      +1

      ^^ THIS!

      at some point, titles and pay won't make up for the lost time

      usually happens around the time a family is started but YMMV

  • foolsgold on 01/08/2021 - 17:55

    If it became that demanding why can't the department outsource it? ie. portions of the reports etc.
    I'm sure some LGAs do this when they are busy.

  • serpserpserp on 01/08/2021 - 17:57
    +2

    If you leave and the others complain and stay they are going to leave someone will step in and fix it

    You don't think the other guys in your team aren't thinking about leaving? I worked in a team of ten people at January and everyone loved their job, but three left for better jobs. It happens. Best to go when you've found an awesome job then to wait until you are burnt out and have no energy to find one.

  • Payne on 01/08/2021 - 18:56

    My colleagues are really lovely people - best people I've worked with by far.

    I don't know the management at the other place.

    This is pretty important. Chasing opportunities can take you down a rabbit warren.

    I'd say if there's any way you can find out what the people and management are like at the other place, do it. Going from a team and manager(s) that you really like to people who are nuts can be a big risk. Do whatever you can to mitigate it.

    If you end up staying at your current job, see what you can do in your time outside work to make life feel more fulfilling.

  • EdenKai on 01/08/2021 - 20:13
    +1

    Honestly, I thought about that too, about just leaving my colleagues behind and knowing that they'll struggle a lot. My opinion however, is to look after yourself. There's no point in breaking yourself to make everyone somewhat less miserable. I think everyone is going to be miserable either way, because it sounds like your workload is already difficult with or without you. I think everyone would understand why you would leave and probably won't hold it against you for long. Of course people might get a tiny bit annoyed cos you left them hard work, but at the end of the day, they'll know that you did what you wanted to. So if you sincerely think this job opportunity is going to help you then why not?

  • pandawelch on 01/08/2021 - 20:59
    +1

    Good to think about it the other way. Would the mirror image of you working in the other organisation want to come and take your job? If so, why / why not?

  • Cul8r on 01/08/2021 - 21:03
    +1

    It’s ok to look after yourself, because no one else will.

    This sounds like an opportunity to use something like a decision analysis.

    Write down all the important considerations/criteria to you, salary, career progression, wfh, workload, etc and give each one a weighting between 1-10. A longer list works well but don’t overcook it as you may be guessing what these will look like in he alternative job you are considering.

    Then on a scale of 1-5 score each option (current job vs alternative) against all your criteria.

    Multiply the weighting x the score for each item.

    Sum the total score for each decision/option.

    Highest score could be your choice.

  • 10khours on 01/08/2021 - 21:04
    +2

    No, this is a business arrangement, do not let your emotions get in the way.

    Most employees overestimate the impact of them leaving. Organisations are quite resilient to people leaving.

    Your company would not hesitate to make you redundant at any time, and likewise you should not hesitate to leave if something better comes along.

  • krgurr on 01/08/2021 - 21:09

    Love your job but not your company , coz you never know when your company stops loving you..so see what is best for you and your family and wer you can give your best.

  • iheartmaccas on 01/08/2021 - 21:58

    Possibly a separate post but I've been reading all these replies with great interest. Much of the advice (of course based on OP's situation) is about teams and big companies and being okay. I work for the government but in a very small team (teacher of a rural school of 4 staff) and shoulder quite a lot outside my pay grade and role description (voluntarily, because we are a team and the work load is too big compared to any of our 'roles').

    Would you advice change based on a team of 3-4?

    I have wanted to quit for 2 years now but timing has not felt right, and now don't think it ever will so just need to do it… but so nervous!

    • timmy_tam on 04/08/2021 - 07:32

      timing is never right for these sort of things, its either right now or never

      "one day or day one. you decide"

      personally, i'm less worrried about change, and more worried about being in the exact same place a year from now

  • AustriaBargain on 01/08/2021 - 22:06

    The Premier of your state would push you under a bus if he thought it would impress a powerbroker and get him a few thousand more votes.

  • Eeples on 01/08/2021 - 23:14

    I’m sure they will get someone else in if they need to.

  • khelddar on 02/08/2021 - 00:16
    +2

    One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that there so important that their division or company will struggle if you leave. Also what are the odds that you'll stay friends or even talk to your ex-colleagues 6 to 12 months after you leave, especially in large corporates or government jobs it's very rare to stay in contact will all your ex-colleagues.

    If something happened to you that meant you could work for an extended period of time, they'd find a way to work through it, sure they may have to hire 2 grads instead of just you but the business will continue.

    CEO's of top companies are replaced all the time, Bill Gates was replaced as Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, sure it was his own choice but no one person is bigger then their company/business.

    In short, take the new role.

  • drfuzzy on 02/08/2021 - 01:52

    Flip a coin.

  • ledifni on 02/08/2021 - 07:59
    +1

    Leave, but give a generous amount of notice period.

  • morebunnings on 02/08/2021 - 08:16
    +3

    If you coworkers really are nice people, they will be happy for you and your success, and understand that you are doing this to improve your mental well being / career etc.

    As long as you don't step on anyone's toes when you leave (not giving enough notice, not caring about the job for the last 2 weeks because you're leaving, etc..), this is 100% normal and fine.

  • CandyMan on 02/08/2021 - 09:08

    Reality is things will keep going with or without you (for example if someone had to leave for sickness)
    Do what’s best for you and it’s up to the govt to do what’s best for business
    If they have the will they can backfill in a heartbeat but rather it often takes 6 months to backfill a govt position

    Do what’s best for you and your future because reality is everything else is out of your control. For instance what would you do if a colleague left for another job etc…

  • od810 on 02/08/2021 - 10:00

    Trust me, i used to think the same, but everyone is replaceable and the org, especially gov org, will be fine. Go get a better job, better pay, keep in touch with your ex colleagues. That is what i do.

  • mini2 on 02/08/2021 - 10:10

    State or Fed govco shop? Regardless, only you look after your own interest, not your employer/management despite what some of their spam email says.

  • payless69 on 02/08/2021 - 10:32

    Do yourself a favour and go for the change. I had 1000's of interactions with governments, never had an issue with federal or local but the QLD govt is just a total mess and best you can do is free your mind and be healthier after that.

  • LoserScott on 02/08/2021 - 10:50

    As long as the job interviews easy, and not convoluted with references sure, someone will fill it, if not they will suffer.

  • unravelledtraveller on 02/08/2021 - 11:09

    Just apply for the job and see how it goes. You haven't got it yet and the process will let you figure out what's important to you and how they seem, at face value anyway.

    Figure out what your work values are, this will make the decision easier if you do get offered the job https://www.thebalancecareers.com/identifying-your-work-valu…

    Because I think a lot of people are still in a crisis mindset, most places have workload issues at the moment so you'd be lucky to find a workplace that has less work. You seem people-centric so be very cautious about leaving a largely positive working environment for something that may not be what it seems.

    I wouldn't worry about their ability to backfill your position; there are plenty of people looking to change jobs so your job might be ideal for someone else.

    So it's a regional town planning job. What's the commute like or doesn't it matter? Do you have to go to site often?

    Assuming it's with a local council, you should know it could be a very different work environment to CBD and urban offices. Pros and cons for either, so if you're a more relaxed, go with the flow sort of person then it might work for you. Beware internal politics and cryonism, you'll probably see unqualified and inexperienced people doing professional roles like town planning and more political influence on your work by elected representatives. This will have a strong influence on your ability to progress your career.

  • Leeroy Jenkins on 02/08/2021 - 11:11
    +1

    You are thinking too much, whether your coworkers suffer after you leave is the responsibility of your manager, not yours. If they suffer a lot, then your manager wasn't/isn't doing a good job. You are not expected to be playing his/her role.

    Just go for the better job.

  • AlanHB on 02/08/2021 - 11:13
    +1

    Two things:

    • your personal career is an area of your life where you can (and should) be completely selfish. Loyalty is not rewarded by employers, so just make the right decision for you.

    • many people overvalue their worth in a workplace. While I'm sure that it will be a little hard without you for a week or two, a new person will come in soon after and it will be almost like you were never there.

  • User000 on 02/08/2021 - 12:03

    Take care of yourself. It’s up to management to manage the situation. Managers that don’t care about their employee’s experience will lose them.

  • itsHughesy on 02/08/2021 - 12:22

    I just did this. Yes.

  • GuitarXXX on 02/08/2021 - 12:30
    +1

    Very nice person that cares about your colleagues.

    But if they really suffer that is more of a organisation's problem not yours.

  • 82norm on 02/08/2021 - 12:34

    It’s a government department, why should you have any guilts? Your colleagues will be fine. In fact they’ll probably forget all about you after the 2nd week you’re gone. Just remember, no one is indispensable, regardless of what role you play or importance.

  • whitepuma on 02/08/2021 - 13:08

    I've worked in a toxic workplace where the higher ups relied on everybody feeling they would be letting your team down if you left….It worked for most people, but the higher ups in the business never wanted to work on fixing the issues.

    My advice i can give is….do what's best for you, if your colleagues are good people they will understand your reasoning for leaving. And just because you are leaving them in this instance it doesn't mean it is the end….I've had instances (like my example above), that when i left and was working somewhere else i then caught up with my old colleagues….it was at that point that a couple of them were asking me if there is any work available at my new workplace and if i could recommend them. Like i said, if they are good people they will understand…..and if they are good workers they will find work elsewhere as well.

  • JayEmmGee on 02/08/2021 - 14:53

    Agree with most of the comments here, you need to do what's right for you and not feel responsible about what might happen after you are gone.

    Reading your post though, maybe talking to your current manager about giving you more flexibility to work from home would be the best outcome here? Have you tried this yet?

  • kaleidoscope on 02/08/2021 - 15:07

    It’s good of you to think like that, but its generally best to not get emotions get in the way if there are opportunities for you to grow in other business. Work is work and they will always find someone to replace.
    It sounds like your leaving will only increase workload which is not the same as indispensable. If that had been latter I’d negotiate for something better that I can stay at the same place and still achieve the future career goals.

  • wsqwin on 02/08/2021 - 15:51
    +1

    It's really nice to consider others.

    But if the same opportunity pops up to your colleagues, do you think they would consider you?

  • Snatcher on 02/08/2021 - 16:16
    +2

    Take it from me, I was in your spot and stayed for another 5 years because I felt bad for my colleagues. One of my biggest mistakes ever, lost so much time, money and in turn gained stress over it. Don't make the same mistake as me, look after yourself because certainly no one else will.

  • victorheaven on 02/08/2021 - 16:35
    +1

    Like what others said, do what's best for yourself.

    You are on 38 hours a week currently and your work has doubled, which means you only need 19 hours to finish your job previously. Sounds like a dream job to me, who works 60 hours a week on average in the private sector.

    Even if you leave, do you think their hours will be extended beyond 38 hours? And if they do, they will be paid OT? Doesn't sound like they will be over burdened compared to people in the private sector.

  • MND on 02/08/2021 - 16:42

    So there is a skill shortage, what makes you so irreplaceable?
    People may think they are irreplaceable, however there is always someone to pick up the slack! They will probably make the work more streamlined, and less convoluted that would make you assume you can only do the task!
    I’m not bagging you out, I’m just saying!
    As for getting offered a job, congratulations. If it suits you better then move on. Now days there is no
    Commitment by a business to look after their staff, so why should you give a shite! What you can do, is give a handover to your colleague rather than cutting loose. This is what will make you stand out from others!

  • ribze1 on 02/08/2021 - 19:07

    Management should have the capacity in place and key man risk should be covered.

    Ok yep this never happens, so it's not your fault that your colleagues are going to suffer.

  • taoz on 02/08/2021 - 19:46

    ask for a pay rise at current role.
    Good managers, good people to work with, LSL, all have values.
    If the value isnt enough for you then you look elsewhere.

  • Pootie Tang on 02/08/2021 - 19:57

    You are paying their and your wage via taxes so no guilt required

  • john71 on 02/08/2021 - 20:00
    +2

    What are you - a charity?

    Life goes on. Your colleagues will survive. If your employer truly gave a damn about you, they would have improved your pay and conditions.

  • DiscoJango on 02/08/2021 - 20:54
    +1

    Your colleagues wont pay for your rent, mortgage, car rego, food etc

    Ultimately you owe them nothing and should only ever think about yourself, because no one else will.

  • Pineapples on 02/08/2021 - 21:31
    +1

    I just went through a very similar situation - quit my job in a regional town because I wasn't happy there knowing full well that they probably wouldn't be able to replace me. To try and help out I gave heaps of notice (months) - at the end of that if they couldn't replace me I can't say I didn't try to help. I would completely respect any of my colleagues for doing the same.

  • Michael074 on 02/08/2021 - 21:57

    I don't know, but the fact that they will have a hard time replacing you should not be a factor in your consideration. if its so hard to replace you maybe they should consider paying you more so that you wouldn't even consider leaving. as long as you give them whatever amount of notice is within your employment contract you'd be doing nothing wrong in my book. that being said though if you really want to maintain good relations perhaps you could consider telling them you are quitting but are happy to work for a little longer to help them transition. that would only cost you a little bit of time but might be a huge favour for them. if they aren't happy even after that then nothing will make them happy short of donating them your paycheck.

  • Cusack on 03/08/2021 - 00:28
    +2

    Once you settle into your new and better job, you'll be asking yourself why you even bothered posting this question coz the answer is to obviously move forward with the better job.

  • A Driver on 03/08/2021 - 04:47

    What have you got to lose? Go for it! Just don’t burn your bridges. Give the new job, new colleagues & new management a good chance - if you discover after 6-12 months that it is not all you expected and are miserable then go back to the old job. See, you really do have nothing to lose.

  • Eurobogan on 03/08/2021 - 07:39
    +1

    Dude, I work in a council as a building certifier. I can tell you the organisation does not care for you as the employee so just quit. as for your colleges they will get a trainee or place a team in that role. believe me.

    do what's best for you

  • FW190 on 03/08/2021 - 09:00
    +1

    look after yourself, chances are, your colleagues probably wouldn't think twice if they were offered a better job elsewhere.

    if you are worried about the impact on the business/team - don't, that is not your job/problem.

    if you genuinely like/care about those people you work with, there is nothing stopping you guys from keeping in touch after you have left.

  • FittyFitty on 03/08/2021 - 09:35

    Is it ok not to quit and continue to suffer?

    Only a matter of time before your current colleagues are but a blur in your rear view mirror…

    Speaking of which, highly recommend listening to the song by same title from PJ.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2021 - 10:20
    +2

    Maybe anecdotal but I felt similarly after working at one place for nearly 12 years, however it took less than a day to replace me and I was forgotten within a week. Only a handful are still connected after a few years but rarely.

  • autolux on 03/08/2021 - 10:44
    +1

    jesus christ, only commenting because i read the op, and i hope you don't take this with malice, but you literally have to never think this way, ever again…. that is actual mental illness, some kinda stockholme syndrome from working for the man.

    its nice & kind obvs to think of your coworkers, but theres very complex fears going on in west societies from the increasing drought of connection. believe it or not, me, you, literally everyone thinks they're irreplaceable in their jobs. you're not. not even close. that is your ego talking, and a cope for pretending to not understand the reality of the world, and just how much modern employment has been hollowed out pushing things that don't exist or matter around within some fake hierarchy you maneuver. this is amplified in the extreme in govt positions. while it remains crucial to outwardly think it all matters, it is beyond farcical & detrimental to your actual consciousness to accept that facade as reality in terms of whats best for you. its this kind of broken thinking that lets people work jobs for decades making others rich, and retiring with a $50 gift & a slap on the back. as an aside, i've spoken to so many people in recent years with horror stories like that, and they're getting worse. years of dedication being rewarded with even less and less….

    and more importantly, its not your problem, if you're difficult to replace you probably should be paid/rewarded more. also, you're not an investor in the company, a manager, director or board member etc. do whats best for you & yours. always.

  • marmlr339 on 03/08/2021 - 10:59
    +1

    Look after yourself because nobody else will.
    Do what is best for you.

  • newjerseydamo on 03/08/2021 - 10:59
    +1

    Ask yourself this: Would your work "friends" think twice about staying if they were offered a better job elsewhere?
    The simple answer is: No

    Putting other people ahead of your own mental and financial wellbeing is not healthy.

    Do what's best for you, because your employer won't, and whilst you may work with a great group of people, if they're truly friends, they will be happy with you moving on to something better.

  • Maxxiz on 03/08/2021 - 11:45
    +1

    100% understand where you're coming from, but look out for yourself. Ultimately, especially in Govt you're just a number (literally, a position number), which will be filled.

  • RolandWaites on 03/08/2021 - 11:49
    +1

    Your colleagues would leave you there if they got a better option. Don't be the one who hangs around unhappily because of misplaced loyalty to a job.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2021 - 12:44

    Working a Govt job, take into consideration job security at this time.

  • silverbluephoenix on 03/08/2021 - 14:24
    +1

    You have a good heart, but worrying about your teammates and what the team will do once you resign is none of your responsibilities. You should just do what you want to do. It is your life and your career choice. You already did a splendid job by being their rock during your tenure.

    The best thing you can do is give them enough lead time once you decide to leave, then arrange proper handover and documentation for them to live by. Make sure they not call you after you leave the job as they will continue to rely on you to do their work and this will burden your new job. Unless they offer you compensation for that extra consultation, you are not obliged to assist.

  • abuch47 on 03/08/2021 - 15:37
    -1

    talk to your manager in the frequent 1on1 career reviews government jobs have. ie speak up as honesty is always the best course of action.

  • SaberX on 03/08/2021 - 16:56
    +3

    Do what's right for you as others said. At the end of the day when sadly times are tough many businesses will take the business decision route. Same for your colleagues. There are exceptions. But anytime I've fallen in love with a job or the notion of leaving co workers Ive found they will just turn around and get rid of you in a heartbeat. Same with once you get a higher paying or better job. All your fears about leaving you realise a month or two later that the ex workplace will just get on with the job.

    Tldr; do what's best for you. Work will do the same from their shoes. There are exceptions to the norm. But on balance of probabilty why wait.

  • ChaseAus on 03/08/2021 - 17:35
    +3

    Don't think about it, just quit. Doesn't matter how much you contribute to the performance of your workplace, in the end everyone is replaceable. Especially in a government based job. Sure, they might struggle in the immediate term, but they will eventually find their footing. It would also be a good learning experience for your co-workers regardless of the stress they endure.

  • syousef on 03/08/2021 - 18:05
    +1

    That workplace sounds messed up and is unlikely to get better in the short term. Run, dude.

  • echineon on 03/08/2021 - 21:47
    +1

    Can you just start the interview process and see where it goes? It doesn't hurt coming in for a chat and go from there.
    If you are as good as you think it's your chance to choose who you want to work with. Stay in touch with your colleague currently after you move on.

  • DJR9000 on 04/08/2021 - 10:52
    +2

    This would have been better with a poll.

    Don't have any regrets about leaving a place that can't staff appropriately. Don't just be a cog in a broken machine.

  • sarahlump on 04/08/2021 - 13:36
    +1

    Graveyards are full of unreplaceable people.

  • morecoffeeplease on 04/08/2021 - 14:39
    +1

    100% Jump!
    You can still be friends with your work colleagues.
    They will understand

    • Yola on 04/08/2021 - 15:13
      +1

      and if they do not they are not really your friends.

  • Jayzz55 on 04/08/2021 - 14:44
    +1

    It's good that you think about your colleagues, but in the end, you need to consider what's best for yourself and your family.

    You don't have control to improve the circumstances for your colleagues, and actually, by leaving, you'll put a spotlight on the gap and indirectly help your colleagues.

    Just making sure you convey your intention why you left and leave a feedback to your HR/manager (assuming your workplace has that open and safe environment).

  • Gamer Dad Reviews on 04/08/2021 - 15:48
    -1

    Yeah dude, get out of the public service and into the Private sector. You won't regret. The satisfaction you get from being a real mover and shaker, rather that working in the Plod department, is worth it.

  • hasher22 on 05/08/2021 - 21:40
    +1

    I'll be on the band wagon here too

    My advice: Go

    It's the company's fault for not hiring another person to help you, you have doubled your load, the company is taking advantage of you. Seriously, go for your mental and physical and career health.

    You are replaceable no matter if you think you're not.

  • 82norm on 06/08/2021 - 08:02
    +1

    Your colleagues are probably fighting over your desk, monitor and chair by now!

  • aznbob on 10/08/2021 - 09:21
    +1

    I have nothing to add but want to request an update OP?

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