My boss had me staying late every day to train my replacement — she earns $85K; I make $55K, in the same role. HR said, “She negotiated better.” So next day I quietly packed up, handed in a resignation letter, shut my laptop — and walked out.
I had already lined up two interviews. The new job pays $90K (plus bonus), is partly remote, and the people actually respect me.
Back at the old office, my replacement looked uneasy. A few months later she quit. Productivity dropped. Clients left. My ex-boss ended up on shaky ground.
Six months later I spoke at a tech panel — saw him in the back row, awkward and out of place. I opened with: “Loyalty isn’t staying — it’s knowing when to go.”
Sometimes dignity echoes long after you walk away.