Dear Dave,
I’m about to turn in my two-week notice after 17 years with my company. It’s a small business, and everyone is like family, but the last raise I received was 50 cents and that was 10 years ago. I’ve always worked hard and done my job well, but I need to move on to a better-paying position I’ve found. Do you have any advice on how to handle this situation?
JT
Dear JT,
Leaving people you care about is always hard. It sounds like they could have treated you better in terms of financial compensation, but things might have been just too tight. Regardless, this is a situation where you have to put yourself and your family first.
First, accentuate the positive. Let them know that your time there has been like working with family and you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. If they ask you why you’re leaving, be honest but kind. Let them know that your income wasn’t changing for the better, and you have to take another position with better pay. Let them know, too, that you fully intend to honor your two-week notice unless they would rather you didn’t.
It does no good to throw stones over your shoulder as you leave, JT. That kind of thing says more about you than it does about them. So just show a lot of gratitude and kindness. It’s going to be a tough situation emotionally for all concerned, so do your best to make it professional, honest and friendly.
—Dave
* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.
