No_Lake_1273's journey

I’ve been with my current employer for just over four years as a field engineer, and I’ve developed a strong emotional attachment to the team and my foreman. However, I recently realized that staying might not be the best move for my career. I have a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, and about three months ago, I started feeling ready for a change. I reached out to my former foreman and a couple of superintendents to discuss moving into a role that would allow me to use my degree more directly. Three weeks ago, I applied internally for a Project Engineer position, but last week, the CEO met with me and expressed concerns about my readiness for that transition. He suggested I spend another year in my current role before reevaluating my options. At the same time, I began applying externally and have had four interviews in the past month, receiving one offer for a Construction Inspector position within the civil engineering division at an Air Force base. The pay and benefits are better, but what I truly desire is to feel challenged and to gain experience that aligns with my long-term career goals. Whenever I consider staying, I ask myself if I would be happy doing my current job a year from now, and the answer is usually no. The emotional ties to my current job make the decision difficult, especially since everyone around me thinks I should take the new opportunity. I’m struggling with the conflict between what feels right emotionally and what seems like the logical career move. Has anyone else faced a similar dilemma? How did you navigate it?