Overcoming Quitting Guilt: Why Leaving Your Job Doesn’t Make You a Bad Person

If you’re thinking about leaving your job but feel guilty about it, you’re not alone. One of the biggest concerns I hear from people considering a career move isn’t about their next step—it’s about the people they’re leaving behind.

“I don’t want to screw them over.”
“I don’t want to let my team down.”
“They’re already understaffed—I can’t just leave them in the lurch.”

Sound familiar? If so, let’s talk about why this guilt is keeping you stuck and what to do about it.

First, Let’s Get One Thing Straight

Being a nice person is a good thing. No one is arguing that you should be a selfish jerk who abandons people without a care in the world.

Buuuut there’s a big difference between causing disappointment and actually “screwing people over.” That distinction is where we need to focus.

If you’ve been at your job for a while, you’ve likely created value. Your coworkers rely on you. Your boss appreciates your work. Maybe you’ve even made commitments about finishing certain projects. That’s all valid.

But here’s the hard truth: Your presence at your job is not a lifetime contract.

Your company will continue without you. It might look different, there may be an adjustment period, but it will keep going. If people are used to getting value from you, they very well may be disappointed at the thought of you leaving!

But if your absence truly causes everything to crumble? That’s a structural issue—not a you issue.

Step One: Question Your Assumptions

Your brain wants you to believe your guilt-based thoughts at face value. “I can’t leave now because they need me.” But what does that actually mean?

• “If I leave, my boss will be screwed.” → Will they? Or will they just have to adjust?

• “This project might fail if I’m not here.” → Would that really be because of you? Or because the company didn’t set up a sustainable system?

• “My coworker is already stressed, and my leaving will make it worse.” → Are you responsible for managing their stress?

It’s not about pretending your departure won’t impact anyone. It’s about separating your responsibility from what is not your responsibility.

Step Two: Redefine What Makes a “Good” Decision

You are in charge of deciding what makes your decision the right one. Not your boss. Not your coworkers. Not your clients. You.

There is no universal rulebook that says, “Quitting your job while a project is ongoing is objectively wrong.” (And if there were, who wrote it? Who decided that your needs always come second?)

A healthier way to think about it:

• I can make this transition in a way that feels responsible, but I am not responsible for keeping everything running forever.

• It’s okay if people are disappointed. Disappointment is a normal part of life.

• I am allowed to prioritize my own career, happiness, and well-being.

Step Three: Accept That Work Never Ends

There will always be more projects to finish. More clients to serve. More deadlines to meet. If you wait for the “perfect” time to leave, you’ll still be there six months—or six years—from now.

Think about your favorite Saturday Night Live cast. They were great, right? But did they stay on the show forever? No. They moved on. And the show? It kept going. Just like your workplace will.

Even surgeons—who literally save lives—retire. And yet, surgeries still need to happen. The world keeps turning. Your job is no different.

Step Four: Get Clear on What You Will & Won’t Take Responsibility For

Make two lists.

What I choose to take responsibility for:
✅ Giving appropriate notice so my departure isn’t a surprise.
✅ Wrapping up key responsibilities as best as I can.
✅ Finishing this one project because it means a lot to me and it’ll make me happy to finish it.

What I do not choose to take responsibility for:
❌ How my boss reacts emotionally.
❌ Whether my company was set up to handle change.
❌ Whether my coworker takes on too much work instead of delegating after I leave.
❌ The long-term success or failure of the business.

Writing this down is powerful. It helps you slow your thinking down and actually see what’s true versus what your guilt is making up.

Final Thought: Your Job Shouldn’t Be Shocked That You’re Leaving (!!)

If you’re a high achiever, a great employee, and someone who takes initiative, there’s an argument for the idea that your workplace should have seen this coming. (EMPOWERING IDEA, RIGHT?!)

On the flip side — If you’re burnt out and underpaid, it should be no surprise that you want to leave. Why would anyone expect you to stay forever in a role that doesn’t serve you?

Your guilt is not a valid reason to put your own happiness on hold. So, when you’re ready—make the move. The world (and your workplace) will adjust.

Wait, I need more help!

Is it time to work together? I help overthinking high-achievers trust their choices.

Whether you need help being more decisive, taking up more space in your own life, or truly figuring out what you want so you can take action on it — coaching with me gives you guidance, accountability and an expert in your corner.

We’ll use science-backed tools and proven strategies to change mental and physical habits, decrease your baseline overwhelm, and grow your self-trust to the point that you make clear, conscious, self-honoring decisions with ease, daily.

It starts — naturally — with some decisive action.

Book your no-strings Free Consultation where we’ll talk like humans, break down your goals, identify a path forward, and figure out if we’re a fit to work together.