Advice on giving notice to leave for private? I feel a lot of guilt both about leaving the agency and government, generally.

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It’s no different than leaving for another government opportunity. Check policies for any minimum notice period requirements. Do it in person. Explain that it’s a new opportunity that’s right for you at this time, thank them for the opportunities, explain your plan to close our transition everything you have open. Immediately follow with a resignation letter by email.

Most everyone that I’ve worked with in government is there because they believe in the good their agency or entity is doing for the public. That can make leaving feel like you’re betraying both the team and the public service mission. You’re not doing either of those things. You’re taking care of yourself, your career, and your family. There’s always a balance, and focusing on the you piece of that is nothing to feel guilty about.

If it helps, you could commit to pro bono work in private practice, or volunteer work in your personal time, to make your feel like you’re still contributing to the public good.

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Thanks. This is very helpful

Hi Attorney: what made you decide to make the switch? I ask because I just joined government about 6 months ago and I’m not sure it’s for me, but I also think it’s too early to tell so I’d love to hear from others.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly why I made the jump. I was poached by the firm partner specially. I hadn't fully made the decision to leave. My main reasons were the lack of remote work options, pay (obviously), and the small feeling that I was beginning to outgrow my job.

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