Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers workplace questions every week on USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of SHRM, the world’s largest human resources professional organization, and author of Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.
Have a question? Please submit here.
Question: About a year ago, I was going through a difficult time in my life and I was so grateful that my employer supported me. I now have an offer elsewhere with a significantly higher salary and stronger long-term prospects. Is it dishonest to leave a company that helped me in my time of need? – Nadia
Answer: It is natural to feel conflicted in this situation. Whether your employer supports you during difficult times in your life is important and worth considering when deciding on your next career move.
Loyalty may be a lost art in some workplaces, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost its value. There are definitely long-term benefits to staying with an organization that has invested in you. Trust is built over time. Strong internal relationships, organizational credibility, leadership opportunities, and career growth are often easier to find within an organization where people understand your value and are invested in your success.
And don’t overlook the value of working for the people who support you when you need it most. How an organization treats its employees during difficult times tells you what kind of company it is.
At the same time, employees need to manage their careers realistically. Companies make business decisions every day, and employees need to make thoughtful decisions about their futures.
The important thing here is not to choose between loyalty and ambition. I am honestly evaluating the big picture. Compensation and career growth are important. But so is culture and leadership. These things are often most noticeable when life gets tough, so they really matter in the decision-making process.
It may be worth having an honest conversation with your employer before making a final decision. If they value your contribution, there may be an opportunity to discuss compensation, increased responsibility, or future growth. Employers are often more willing to invest in talented employees than people realize.
At the end of the day, you need to make the decisions that are best for your long-term professional and personal well-being. In my experience, great leaders want what’s best for their employees, even if it means supporting them moving forward.
And if you ultimately decide that a new opportunity is right for you, leaving doesn’t mean you’re being dishonest. It means you are making a careful career decision. What matters is how you leave. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude. Acknowledge the support you have received and the impact it has had on you professionally and personally.
Careers are long and relationships are important. The person who supported you in one chapter of your career may become a mentor, reference, partner, or colleague again in another. Respectful separation helps preserve those relationships, which is more important than not feeling guilty.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
