I (27F) initially left my current company back in early 2024 for another job, however the company’s culture turned out to be very toxic for me. I reached out to the other boss from another team (now my current boss) and asked if I could return. She supported me, helped me through the rehiring process, and welcomed me back to the company. So far everything here has been great, colleagues are great, no drama, no toxic vibes.
Fast-forward about 1.5 years: I’m about to get married and move in to a new unit, so salary has become a huge concern for me. I got an offer with a 30% increment with hybrid working arrangement. After thinking it through, I feel like this opportunity aligns better with my future goals and offers better career growth and long-term stability.
I didn’t want to be unfair, so I talked to my boss honestly about the offer. She and the group HoDs decided to counter offer and match the exact salary from the new company.
Here’s where things get complicated:
Although management supported it, HR took about 2 weeks to process the counter offer, and all I received was a salary adjustment letter. Not a proper offer letter or with any clear terms. I also had to follow up with the HR myself on the whole process and it made me felt like I was desperate for it. I genuinely didn’t mind staying if HR had processed it earlier, but the delay itself created too much uncertainty, and I wasn’t even sure if it was even a legit counter offer since the replies were always “I’ll get back to you today/tomorrow”.
Even though I’m excited about the new role, I feel extremely guilty especially because my boss has been very supportive throughout my career here and fought to keep me, and believed in me twice, and has always been kind. I was the one who asked to return, and I’m scared she’ll feel like I wasted her time or only came back because it was convenient for me.
I don’t hate my current job at all, it’s comfortable, people are kind, environment is fine. It’s just that the new offer aligns better with my career path. Still… I feel bad, Like I’m betraying someone who supported me.
So… AITA for leaving again, even though I was the one who asked to come back?
For context: my current company is in the aviation industry, and the new offer is from a global logistics MNC.
NTA imo, although i wouldn’t expect your boss to do you another solid like that if it came down to it. At the end of the day you have to prioritize yourself and your family, there is no point in being loyal to a company.
Nta. Talk to your boss. If they don’t see a way to help you develop your career further where you are- then they’ll support you leaving! It’s not about the money. It’s about your career. Cool bosses are cool like that
NTA. This is a transactional relationship. They hired you back because you provided value to the company. Another company recognized that and has assigned you greater value. You gave your company your labor and they paid you in return. End of transaction. End of obligation. You owe them nothing.
NTA if you died at your desk today they’d have a new body in your seat by the end of the week.
This is the only correct answer.
YTA , they matched the offer, but you didnt like it took two weeks? Thats the entire reason I read in your post for leaving, that you “felt” unsure they would but they did but you didnt like waiting (for two weeks) and now you dont want it anyway. Thats not a valid reason. Your boss kept her word and I see no reason for leaving.
OP doesn’t need a reason for leaving. She wants to leave. End of analysis.
You’re NTA. You can do what you want.
But I don’t understand your reason to now leave. You said you love your current company and they have matched the offer of a random company that could well be toxic? Are you sure this is a good idea?
NTA – don’t jeopardize your future and your career just “to be nice”. Do what is ultimately best for you the same way a company does what is best for them.