Steven Hamm

My employer offered me a huge raise after discovering I was interviewing elsewhere. I told them I would stay—but now another company has offered even more. Would you break your word and leave anyway?

That’s a tough one. I believe keeping your word matters, but I also think you have to make career decisions based on the entire opportunity—not just... the paycheck.
Compensation, growth potential, stability, culture, work-life balance, and long-term goals all deserve consideration.
If the new opportunity is clearly the better move, I’d have an honest conversation with my current employer and handle the departure professionally.
Loyalty is important, but ultimately, you have to take responsibility for your own career path. more

My partner says my career has become my entire identity and wants me to take a less demanding job. I love what I do and don't feel unhappy, but I also don't want my career to destroy my relationship....

I think there’s room for both career fulfillment and a healthy relationship. If you genuinely love what you do, walking away from it entirely may... create a different kind of unhappiness. At the same time, when someone you care about feels like your career is getting all of your time and energy, that’s probably worth exploring together.

Maybe the answer isn’t necessarily a less demanding job, but finding better boundaries and being more intentional about protecting time for the relationship. A fulfilling career should be an important part of your life without having to become your entire life. more

My employer wants me to sign a contract preventing me from working for competitors for a year after leaving. The salary is good, but I'm worried I'll be trapped if I ever need to leave. Would you...

Agreed