Story No. 001
I work at a car dealership. I've been there for a couple of years, and lately I've been unmotivated and bored. To be honest, I’m starting to eye the exit.
Here's the thing: I actually like the job. Good money. I've earned a kind of status; I'm one of the "older" guys on the floor, so people come to me for advice. Management likes me, or so they say. But I've always suspected it's less about me and more about what I do for them. I’m a team player who gets things done and quietly covers management-level responsibility without the management title or pay.
So when another dealership made me an offer, I brought it up. The GM gave me the speech. You know the one. We're a family. If you're unhappy, we'll make it right. We'll fix your situation here. Blah. Blah. Blah. He said the decision was mine, but he'd appreciate at least two weeks' notice, if not more.
I stayed. I had clients who trusted me, referrals that only come from years in the building, comfort I wasn't ready to walk away from.
A week later, that same GM quit. No notice. Better opportunity elsewhere. Didn't extend anyone the loyalty he'd asked me for.
So here I am. Same job, same position, same pay, and a brand new boss bringing brand new changes I now have to adjust to anyway. The new job would've given me a fresh start, better pay, and a better commute. I told myself the hard part would be readjusting to a new place. Turns out I'm readjusting either way. I just did it for free.
Moral of the story: make the moves that feel right to you, not the ones someone else is guilt-tripping you into. Work isn't family. The second someone uses "we’re a family" to talk you out of a decision that's good for you, take it as the red flag it is, and next time, keep your plans to yourself until they're done.
Sincerely,
Played in Orlando
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