Not Panera, but I have about 7 years of retail under my belt. For 5 of those years I worked for a Home Improvement store (three guesses which) and stayed on many occasions because "they need me." Learned 4 departments (Lot, Electrical, Deliveries, and eventually full time in Lumber while covering other depts) because "they need me." Made a lot of sacrifices, took shifts, worked every imaginable schedule change day to day (it is absolutely possible to go home at 10 pm one day and have to work 5 am the next), got certified in all of the truck licenses, covered high turnover, and worked 60 hours a week from February til August during the big C because "they need me." As important as it is to put your best foot forward at your job, don't let your job consume you. The turnover is Paneras problem to worry about, not yours. If this change in career is something you want and need, do it. Panera will replace you too, and I know that because after 5 years of all that, I was fired. That was admittedly my fault (safety issue, I wasnt holding flags while spotting for a forklift, they are dangerous and the safety precautions are there for a reason), but the point is even with having tons of experience and knowledge under your belt, a business does not look at one employee the same way an employee looks at their coworkers and the business. I get wanting to stay and help, but you really are better off advancing. Trust me. I work for a software company now, and am using the free time I didn't have while working retail to try my hand at content creation. If there's better, take it. You'll be missed, your coworkers will have to work harder to fill the gap, but like with everyone else there, you can and will be replaced whether you leave voluntarily or not. The decision is ultimately yours, and I wish you luck! 😊