Why are bosses surprised when you quit?

They haven't given you a raise in two years because the economy is "bad". They have you come in early, stay late and don't even bother with a thank you. There is no such thing as comp time and getting an approval for vacation is as painful as a root canal.

You know you are getting paid at least 10K less than any man who's in the same position - even though you do a much better job. Your benefits, if you can call them that, suck and there is basically no chance of promotion.

Projects are given to you last minute and then you're yelled at when you don't have it done on time. They ask you to do something then stand over you while you do it, or better yet, tell you in explicit detail how to do it. You're given their personal shit to handle, cause they're wives who stay home (and who's kids are in school full time) are just to busy.

OK, to be fair, that kind of thing would probably only happen at a small company. At a bigger company you only have to worry about being a number because the HR person you've been dealing with for 5 years can't remember your name. You do get your time approved quickly because you only have to give 6 months notice to take a week's vacation. Raises ARE given yearly, but at 2% a year you sure are doing a LOT with that extra 20 bucks a paycheck.

Typically you're given your projects in advance but, of course, when you can't meet those unrealistic goals you are typically given additional training or just put on probation. You know nothing about the owners of your esteemed company...but that's OK...they know nothing about you either.

So please tell me why oh why are they surprised when you find a better gig? Could you possibly believe that someone else is going to pay you more or treat you better? Are you a fool in thinking that just maybe you would like to advance your career and not be their personal lackey in 5 years? God forbid you think you have a brain and would like a better compliment than "She's great at printing." Stupid, stupid you for ever coming outside of their little world to think there may be something better out there for you.

So I say to the bosses who are surprised to find out you actually took the time and found a better job in this "bad" economy....So Long Sucka!