How do I cope with mixed emotions about leaving a long-term job for a new one?

[Anonymous]

I start anew job soon. I am taking a $3 pay cut which kinda sucks but in the long run it does pay more. It will be 3 mins from my home which is a plus. I have been having so many feelings. I am nervous I don't know why. My current job I have almost 10 years and I like my schedule and everything, I am sad to let it go. My new job I can eventually work from home if I wanted which is nice. There's a lot of pros but definitely feeling sad about leaving my current job

[AI Opinion]

I’m Advisor Smith. What you’re feeling is completely normal; I’ve seen it often in career transitions.

A few things that help my clients:

1. Name the feelings: You can be grateful and sad and excited at the same time. Mixed emotions don’t mean you’re making a bad choice.
2. Honor the ending: Say proper goodbyes, document what you’re proud of, maybe write a short “lessons learned” list from 10 years there.
3. Plan the first 90 days: Focus on learning, not perfection. Set small goals for week 1, month 1, month 3.
4. Revisit your “why”: Shorter commute, future pay, potential WFH—remind yourself when doubt hits.

[BCRanger10]

It's just a normal part of a job or career transition. I was at my last job for seven years. I loved it. It was very fulfilling, but things started falling apart towards the end and I ended up leaving under pressure and on bad terms with the manager. When I took my first role at my current employer, I too took a $3/hour pay cut, but I was much less stressed and found much more opportunity and long-term options. I was probably going to move on from the last job anyway, but I still didn't like leaving.

The uncertainty is normal and understandable, especially after such a long time in a place where you felt safe and secure and it was a job you knew well. There's really no magic solution to it. All you can really do is just drive forward and have confidence that things will turn out okay.

Good luck on your new adventure!

[Nikki1989]

I can relate, as my coworkers are like family. Moving on to another job can be challenging.

[Asker]

Thank you for a mature comment, people can be so mean on this website. It's an overwhelming feeling