Why do I feel guilty for being excited about changes that hurt other people?

Feeling guilty about being excited for changes that cause others pain reflects your empathy and care for other people, but it can also keep you stuck in situations that aren't right for you. It's completely normal to have mixed emotions about major life changes - you can simultaneously feel excited about your new job while feeling sad that your departure will burden your coworkers, or feel relieved about ending a relationship while feeling guilty about your partner's pain. These complex emotions don't cancel each other out; they can coexist. The guilt management often comes from a belief that if your gain causes someone else's loss, you shouldn't be happy about it. But life changes often involve some level of disruption for others, and that doesn't make your excitement wrong or selfish. You can acknowledge others' disappointment or pain while still celebrating your positive changes. Practice holding both emotions at once - 'I'm sad that my leaving will be hard for my team, and I'm excited about this new opportunity.' Communicate your care for others while also honoring your own needs and growth. Remember that staying in situations that aren't right for you to avoid causing others discomfort often leads to resentment and isn't ultimately helpful for anyone. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is make the changes you need to make, even if they initially cause others some difficulty.