Is resigning from a research project in the middle of it going to burn bridges no matter what? Please help!

Hi everyone,

I have been seeking full time employment in the realm of psychology research for six months. I took a part time, temporary research job a month ago in the meantime that has proven to be enjoyable and meaningful work with a supervisor and team that is supportive. This employment would end in March. I applied to a job prior to getting this one that I didn’t expect to even get an interview for, but here I am offer in hand. It’s a full time long term position that sets me up well for grad school in the field of psych I’m very interested in. If I leave this position, I feel like I would be “screwing over” my current project team because it’s a position with a weird schedule and a short timeline, requiring a background check etc.

Many people tell me, “it’s just a job, it’s their problem to figure it out”
But the guilt of leaving this project is killing me, it’s more than just a job; it’s my supervisors years long hands on work.

I’m planning on giving him four weeks if he wants that long, and I’ve reached out to some former team members and another person who may be interested in this work to see if they would be interested in taking my place. I’m also offering to train people in. It’s just 5 years in the making and the project this year has been chaotic with people leaving and a challenging population we’re studying. He’s been a very supportive boss, and I like the project, and I’m just so afraid he’s going to be so upset with me for leaving.

Anyone with a similar experience of working in research (or other field!) that made business feel way more personal and hard to leave, even if there’s a better opportunity at your fingertips?

Any advice and career guidance from people working in any field is very very appreciated. Located in a research institution in Colorado. Thank you!



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