Nova Daily - 9 June 2025: A tough choice

Hi!

No chess today. Just a little story from my life.

While I was waiting for yesterday's TBA results to come in, I've been talking with a friend from my team. We had some fun spectating a few live games, and that was a lot of fun. However, my friend also told me that he had a bit of an issue that he wanted to discuss with me before he wanted to share it with the team. 

A tough choice

My friend has been a team member for only a very brief time. Knowing me in advance was a good thing for him because it meant that he had some social proof as he joined. He played his best game and he kept on winning, to the point that word began to spread. Other teams in higher league divisions became interested in recruiting him for their teams.

He felt conflicted about this situation. He had only just managed to settle in well with the team, but his growth has been undeniable and amazing. What to do? Stay with your friends, or spread your wings? It's a tough choice.

If you become very good very quickly, many people around you will envy you because of the fact that you've outgrown them and they feel inferior in comparison. Even if they never tell you this. My friend from a couple of days is facing the same issue with her work. I personally had to ponder this as well, but although I don't say that I'm completely free of envy, I do believe that I'm on my own path, and that I don't have to compare my path to that of my friend and teammate. But this is a side note.

My friend asked me what I'd advise him to do in his situation, because he felt a little conflicted. I told him how I felt about it: "Although I'd personally be a bit sad to see you go, I love to see you thrive, and that's worth much more to me than to keep you in the team no matter how much fun we have. If life throws you a chance like this, that's a golden opportunity."

Today he officially resigned from my team.

And I'm very glad that he did.