I accepted.
But I didn’t tell Karen immediately.
I wanted everything finalized first.
Signed contract.
Confirmed start date.
Benefits.
Everything.
Then I gave notice.
I walked into Karen’s office at 9:15 on Thursday morning.
She looked up.
“What’s up?”
“I’d like to give you my notice.”
Her smile disappeared.
“My what?”
“My resignation.”
She stared at me.
“For what reason?”
“I’ve accepted another position.”
Her expression changed.
“Where?”
“I’d rather keep that private.”
She sat back.
“When are you leaving?”
“Two weeks.”
“You can’t leave right now.”
I blinked.
“I’m sorry?”
“We’re in the middle of training.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
“You’re responsible for getting Emily fully trained.”
“I’ve documented the procedures.”
“Two weeks isn’t enough.”
“It’s the standard notice period.”
Karen stood.
“This is extremely inconvenient.”
I looked at her calmly.
“I understand.”
“You’re putting us in a difficult position.”
I almost smiled.
“No,” I said. “I’m leaving my job.”
She stared at me.
Then she asked the question I had been waiting for.
“What would make you stay?”
I didn’t answer immediately.
Because six weeks earlier, I would have said a raise.
Maybe $70,000.
Maybe $75,000.
Now?
