Wow, what a bunch of babies they are! You need to look out for #1, so you did, got a new job, and gave an acceptable amount of notice. You have done everything right in this situation.

There is nothing you can do but listen, show empathy and move on. Professionals will understand, the other passive aggressive types are simply projecting their own anxiety.

Just move on OP. You sound like someone who cares and that is good. You can't control people getting competitive that you're leaving. Just don't stoop down to their level and say anything bad.

OP here. I did sit down with the program manager and he was upset but understood my rationale. He said he will talk to his management on the next steps to identify my replacement. And that's when the e-mails started.

They should have paid you more.

If all you did was send your resignation letter without taking the time to talk to people one on one, then yes could have handled it better. In this case you should have sat down with the people who went to bat for you and explained what happened and why it was an offer you couldnt refuse. You could have acted all torn up about it, how hard it was to make the decision, how bad you feel for leaving, etc. That way they dont feel used and understand why you did it.

Some companies act like this when someone leaves. Did you give 2 weeks notice? If so, it sounds like they are acting in the wrong.

I have been with my current company, a major defense contractor, for 8 years. Couple months ago I faced a layoff due to budget cuts but the company came through with another project. Not what I would've wanted to but it was a job at the time.

I wasn't sitting idly and made a few contacts on my own with other companies. One of them has extended me an offer last week. Great project, great salary, fantastic commute (only 3 metro stops!). I send in my resignation last week and that's when the "holy war" as I call it started. I've been bombarded with e-mails such as "how could you do this to us", "we went all out for you", "you are letting us down", etc.

One of my managers even implied that if I ever want to come back - well, I burnt my bridges. I don't think after 8 years of above average to outstanding performance I really burnt any bridges. Or have I?