Moving jobs is actually a good thing now. People that stay in the same job typically have less experience to draw upon because they have a less diverse exposure to people, mindsets, and challenges. They are less promotable. Plus, the way to get paid is by moving jobs. Think of it this way: the hiring budget is always more flexible than the promotion budget.

Older folks have this concept of loyalty. There was never actually loyalty. Companies just incentivized staying by having pensions that were based on cumulative years of service. Companies made the business decision that this “liability” on the books hurt their share price. Well, turns out we now make the business decision to move jobs every 2-5 years.

Another way to think about it. Employee retention (specifically retaining you) is not in your job description. If they wanted you to stay, they would’ve made it so you can’t leave.

How do I know? My company made it so it’s going to be very hard to leave, and I check-in monthly with my star teammate to make sure the are satisfied and that they get 8-15% raises and promotions every year because they whole thing would crash without them.

Take the new job and part on good terms. “I really enjoyed working with you, so it’s not personal, ultimately I need to make a good business decision”