Quitting my job... was tough!

On Friday I bit the big one and met with my current boss. The agenda for the meeting: Project Sweden.

It was a hard step, but it had to be done!

This was the hardest thing I have had to do for the project so far. I have been working for INDA for 4.5 years now and I like it here. I like the company, I like their vision and what they are achieving. I love the fact that we are company small enough that everything and anything can be personal. I like that they treat their employees well and that there is definitely a friendship component in all our relationships.

So I've met with my boss and told him the story I've told you. My fiancée's life wish was to move to Sweden and all the hard work has paid off - she was accepted to Lund University and we will be leaving the country in a few months. I've finished with a firm conclusion: I will have to stop working here and find a new job.

I'm leaving because of a fundamental
life choice.

I knew this would be problematic. Loyalty to my employer was the one reason I've hesitated when my significant other suggested moving abroad. I have taken over a significant chunk of our projects in nearly half a decade I was working there and I feared I simply couldn't leave our small company without inflicting damage.

In our workspace everyone is "in charge" of his own turf. In hindsight it's not the wisest of arrangements, however it did make us employees feel special. At least for me it is a great feeling to wake up and go to work every morning when you know you are the master of your own domain. I know it worked on me, I was way happier and I'm sure it made me better at my job. It made me proud! Unfortunately this management style only works until someone has to go... But I digress.

In the end I had a great talk with my boss. He understood I wasn't leaving because I wasn't happy with my position or compensation, I was leaving because of a fundamental life choice. The friendship component in our relationship really helped. Even though things are going to be tougher for the company he assured me there were no bad feelings and he even promised me he will talk to some of his Swedish contacts about me and my situation. In return I promised to stay in touch after the move and lend a helping hand if the need arises - something I've had in mind all along.

The meeting was tough, but I dare call it a success. If I learned anything is that a great relationship pays off. I think the ability to make friends easily is one of my better qualities and I hope I will find use of it in Sweden.

How do you think I did? Do you think I could have done better, or do you have a relevant story to share? Please respond in the comments!

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