I've always appreciated my team and, for a long time, genuinely enjoyed the work. But now I’m at a point where it’s hard to even show up. The new manager has created a lot of chaos, and the environment has become really toxic. I recently got an offer from another company, not much better in terms of pay, but it’s a small team, and the people running it seem decent and grounded. I’ve spent many years here, so this isn’t a decision I take lightly. It’s not loyalty to AEP that’s holding me back, it’s loyalty to the people I’ve worked with for so long. That makes it harder to walk away. But if I’m being honest, I also feel like it’s time to go. I’m just not fully there yet.
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For what it’s worth, I left AEP earlier this year and haven’t looked back. In my case, there were also many people I did not want to say goodbye to. But I looked at that more as a “at least I have something positive to reflect on when I think about my experience there” than staying because of the people. And as far as salary not being much better with the new offer — there could be tons of upside potential financially beyond just the starting salary. One of the frustrating things about AEP is that once you got that base salary, it was hard to move up in big increments, even when changing roles. They were always looking at your current salary to determine the lowest base salary they could get away with. The great thing about an entirely new company is that they’re not bound to any of AEP’s HR practices.
I left AEP as fast as I could (non-IT). For those who have Stockholm syndrome from years of service, know that the grass can be greener. If the OP likes their team and is real friends with them, they will still be friends once they leave.
I’m not OP but I just accepted a new offer elsewhere. Thanks to everyone who nudged me in that direction, I needed to hear it! Wishing everyone the same job offer luck or patience to wait out the storm
@OP Don't think for a second the company wouldn't call you in on Tuesday at 9 am and tell you your services are no longer needed and to speak with the HR rep about your severance package. The did it a thousand times in the past 18 months.
You owe nothing to the company or your team in this environment. The company is not looking out for your best interest, only the company interest.
If you have a solid offer, take it. You may not get another chance unless you have unique skills that are sought after.
Good luck to you and don't look back
If I was in your team I wouldn't hold it against you for leaving.
@an+1jym3q001 This is the answer.
@OP Guess what. Your team is looking for the exit ramp too. Bail if it makes sense for you.
Teammates will come and go. It's normal. If a teammate is a true friend and not just a "work friend" you will stay in touch with them after you leave. If the remote job is a stable company then take it and don't look back.
If you have a job offer, then I would go for it. This company is driving employees away and doesn’t seem to really care all that much. That makes me wonder what they’ve got planned. I’d get out now while the getting is good.
As much as you care for your team, you have to do what’s right for you and your family. Take that other job if you think it’s a good fit. Team members fluctuate and no one is going to care as much about you as you care about yourself. That’s how it is for all of us. Take care of yourself first!
I know how gut-wrenching it is, I've been in your shoes. When the environment turns toxic and leadership goes sideways, staying just out of loyalty can end up costing you more than you realize. Your teammates will likely understand, especially if they’re going through the same thing. Sometimes the truest way to honor those relationships is by putting yourself first and choosing what’s healthiest for you.
I’m feeling the same way. I have an offer that’s remote but I feel bad for my team for the mess I’m going to leave. I thought AEP would be a stable job for the rest of my life but I just don’t agree with the direction we’re headed. We’ve already had our best employees leave and I truly worry about our grid now but we’ll see what the future holds
If work is draining the enthusiasm for life from you, it is time to go. If work is no longer fulfilling and rewarding, there is no point. Your coworkers will come to the same conclusion after you leave and they will find their own callings outside of AEP. The sense of accomplishment no longer exists. There is only the acknowledgement that loyalty has become the shackles of slavery that enriches them and impoverishes and diminishes us. We are approaching the reaffirmation of the Founding Principles of the American Revolution and the vanquishing of our tormentors to restore them to our revolutionary nation.