AITA for quitting mid-project and for not waiting for my replacement?

Three years ago, a 32-year-old woman stepped into a new job, eyes bright with a promise of her dream salary after a stellar start. Confirmed in just two months for standout work, she got a raise—short of her ask—and clung to hope for more, only to face pandemic excuses and empty reviews, even as her boss leaned on her for high-level tasks.

Pregnancy brought a sensitive twist—less overtime, emergency leaves—then a scant two-month maternity break amid a work-from-home setup. No raises, no bonuses, just flimsy reasons tied to her time off. A headhunter’s double-salary offer finally tipped the scales, and she quit mid-project, guilt nibbling as her team scrambles. This Reddit tale buzzes with workplace woes—let’s unpack it.

‘AITA for quitting mid-project and for not waiting for my replacement?’

This workplace saga simmers with dashed hopes and hard choices. Our 32-year-old star aced her role, snagging early praise and big duties, only to face a string of pay denials—pandemic cuts, pregnancy gripes, and zero excuses by year three. Quitting mid-project for double the cash felt right, yet guilt lingers for her team and the flexibility she got.

Companies fumble when they dangle carrots and dodge. A 2022 SHRM report shows 58% of workers leave due to stagnant pay, especially post-crisis. Her firm’s nods during pregnancy—work-from-home, no firing—were bare minimum, not perks, and no match for years of stalled promises. Loyalty frayed when value went unseen.

Dr. Amy Edmondson, a workplace expert, notes, “Trust breaks when employers overpromise and underdeliver—workers stay for growth, not just grace”. Her exit, mid-project, stings teammates, but the firm’s inaction—no raises, no retention plan—dug the hole. Guilt’s natural; still, her leap was a survival grab.

She’s clear to fly. Tell the boss the truth—pay mattered, promises broke—calmly, no burn. Wrap key tasks if time allows, but replacements aren’t her load—management owns that. Cash the new gig’s win, lean into family, and shake the guilt. Firms reap what they sow; she’s blooming elsewhere.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit rallied hard for our gal, waving off guilt. The crowd sees the company’s game—dangling raises, dodging with excuses, from pandemic to pregnancy leaves—showing zero care for her worth. They cheer her double-pay leap, nodding that firms cut staff fast, owing her no loyalty after three dry years.

Flexibility during pregnancy gets a smirk—bare-bones moves, not gold stars. If she’s vital, pay her so, they say; teammates’ strain falls on the boss, not her. Some tease a consultant gig at double rates, but all toast her fresh start, free of a stingy trap.

This job-jump tale spins a gritty truth—a woman poured her all into work, met broken pay vows, and grabbed a double-salary lifeline, mid-project. The company’s skimpy nods couldn’t hold her, and guilt for teammates fades against her win. A new chapter beckons—better pay, fresh air. Share your thoughts, feelings, and takes below—let’s hash out this workplace wrestle!