KroganPrimarch's journey

I recently found myself in a tough spot after taking a middle management role at a global pharmaceutical company. I moved halfway across the US for this position, and initially, I was thrilled. The compensation was good, there were yearly bonuses, and I saw potential for growth. I even had the chance to work with long-tenured team members and access to internal career development programs. After a long nine-month job search, landing this role felt like a dream come true. However, reality set in quickly. The culture and morale in my department have been dismal, and the workload has been overwhelming. I've been working more overtime than I ever have in my life, and the constant operational changes and personnel issues have made it even more stressful. I initially thought it was just my team struggling, but after talking to peers and doing some short stints on other teams, I've realized it's a site-wide problem. Many colleagues have mentioned that the company has been on a downward trend for the past couple of years. I've been actively looking for other job opportunities, both internally and externally, but I’m leaning more towards external options. My most senior peer, who is highly respected and capable, has been stuck in this department for years without any chance of moving up, which is discouraging. Adding to my dilemma is the fact that the company covered my relocation expenses, totaling $14,000. At first, I thought it was a great benefit, but now it feels like a heavy burden. If I leave before the two-year mark, I’ll have to pay back the entire amount, which complicates my plans to potentially go to grad school in the next couple of years. I thought I could tough it out until the two years are up, but each day feels increasingly unbearable. My social life has taken a hit, and I can feel the toll it's taking on my mental and physical health. I feel trapped, and I’m not sure how to navigate this situation without jeopardizing my future.