So after a long time for working part time on my start-up we have assembled a team and it looks like we’re finally about to secure investment funding (it’s medtech so we can’t really do much engineering or manufacturing without funds for materials and salaries).
While we were doing this, I was continuing with a day job which I don’t love but it pays the bills. My problem is the job isn’t something from the front page of r/antiwork: my colleagues and my boss are very kind and supportive and because things aren’t certain on the funding yet I haven’t handed in my notice and I don’t intend to until I’m sure that I’ll be moving to working in the startup full time.
But I’m in something of a leadership/project management position in my current job and in team meetings my boss will often say how much she’s going to be relying on me next year. There were also some interpersonal issues a few months ago that made me feel uncomfortable and, without me asking, my boss really went to bat for me and did her best to make sure I had a comfortable working environment. The reason she did this was because she “really values my work and doesn’t want to lose me”.
So the whole time she’s going to bat for me and saying how much she appreciates me, I’m quietly thinking to myself that in a month or two, if things go well, I’ll be leaving. And with the deadline on our current project looming, there definitely won’t be enough time to get someone else trained to get things over the line.
I’m really passionate about the start up and I can’t not take a chance on it but I feel so guilty leaving my team short staffed. Has anyone else dealt with this? What is the best thing to do to not feel so guilty?
not so familiar with medtech but a friend of mine has been on freelancing websites offering a few different services until his start-up starts generating some money. would you consider offering freelancing services online so you have a more secure way to pay the bills?
It seems that your manager is very supportive of you and your career. I can only imagine that she will continue to be supportive of you to follow your career goals and dreams even if you are not going to be at the company. That’s what great leaders do, they help grow their teams so they can continue to accomplish great things, no matter where that is.
At the end of the day, it’s just business, if it were the other way around and they had to make a decision to let you go for the good of the business they would. It’s nothing personal!
Best of luck, and I hope you secure funding and build an amazing company :)
There’s know way to know the inside of your managers head but from the way you describe them they sound very decent. I would like to think I’m a similar kind of manager and have definitely gone to bat for my people in similar ways - but I always make that they know I will support what’s best for them. I had a similarly valued employee leave under similar circumstances about 6 months ago. Because I’d always told them I’d support what is best for their career they felt comfortable coming to me to tell me about a new opportunity to pursue a PhD and I although I was sorry to lose them I was very very happy to see them advance, and also grateful that they had felt comfortable enough to tell me months ahead of time when they still weren’t sure.
Again I can’t say how your boss will react, but if it was me I would just be happy that you felt comfortable enough to tell me. Going to bat for you should not be something that implies you owe them. If that’s ultimately the way they see their own behavior “you owe me for that” then unfortunately you’re still probably better off leaving.
If you talk to them openly they also might be able to offer some solid positive insights from a longer experience.
Sounds like you’re in a great position. Count your blessings that you have a great manager and a great opportunity with your startup.
Been in a similar spot. First, prep your tasks and processes now to make handover smooth. When your move’s confirmed, tell your boss ASAP - they’ll appreciate the heads-up. Offer to train your replacement if there’s time. And don’t forget to express how much you’ve valued the team and the opportunity. Good luck with your startup!
No guilt. Don’t see the past. Face your future, your new opportunities. It isn’t worth it to claim about your past, pass the page.
If the startup is something you are truly passionate about, then there is no reason to feel guilty. You should explain the situation to your boss just like you did in this post.
I have been a pretty similar situation 2 years ago. Working 4 days a week for my employer, the boss was great and would accept anything we asked for and really trusted us in our work, giving us full autonomy. On the side I was building my company (bootstrapped, no funding).
At some point I needed more time for my company, and decided to quit. My boss offered me to continue working for them as a contractor, 2 days a week.
The first year was great and I effectively worked 2 days a week for them, the rest on my company. This year (the second year), they had a bit less work so it most of the time was just one day a week. Still not sure if I will accept to continue next year as the job is changing a bit.
But one thing is sure, I did not regret doing it this way. Also it was a security that if my company failed, I still have this contract as a backup. And also as our collaboration continued in very good terms, I know that even if I totally quit today, they would take me back full time later if I needed work.
I had to leave favorite job two times. It’s hard. It feels like you are traitor. But it’s something you have to do and if current colleges and bosses are kind - it’s going to be smooth and you gonna still be able to communicate and support each other.