Top 7 things to do when quitting your job

One thing’s for sure, the longer you work, the more chances you have to quit your job. I recently resigned from my seventh grown-up job. It was the position I’d worked at the longest – more than nine years. Since this experience is top of mind, I wanted to share my top take-aways when deciding to quit. 

Before we get to the list though… The main thing is to imagine how you want to feel after it’s all said and done. For me and this latest departure, I wanted to leave with integrity. I value the work of the organization even though I am ready for what’s next. I care about the people who still work there. I am mindful of my professional reputation. I crafted my entire exit strategy with these values in mind. Leaving with integrity truly is hard work up front, but your conscience will thank you after the fact. 

Now, the list:

1. Do the math. You might be in a place of wanting to quit but thinking you can’t afford it unless you have another job already lined up. There’s a handy technique I refer to as “math vs drama” – actually knowing what you need to bring in to meet the expenses you are absolutely on the hook for (mortgage, health insurance, etc), you need to know how much that adds up to. And if you want to leave before you have a replacement job, how much would you need to earn as a stopgap situation and for how long? The number might be daunting, but the unknown is paralyzing. When you have a target amount, you know what you are aiming for. If you think it’s doable, then you can actively decide to depart (rather than deciding to stay by not deciding at all.)

2. Discuss it with your support structure. 

• Talk to your coach or therapist if you have one. Big decisions like this can be stressful and will bring up a host of other issues. It can be immensely helpful to have someone who can hold space for you and support you in sorting out the freakout from the facts.
• Your spouse or other family members who are part of your bigger financial picture would likely want to at least know what your plan is. It may be your decision alone to make, but a heads up would be appreciated.

3. Decide:

• I mean actively decide. Like your reasons. Your reasons only need to make sense to you. Know that indecision is just your brain’s way of trying to keep you safe.
• Give yourself grace. Your brain may want to run for safety and have you stay put, and that’s okay. It’s what brains are designed to do. If you are like me, you may be prone to staying in a job too long, thinking you can either change your mindset or change the situation. Just know that your human brain may be deciding to stay by default because you didn’t actually decide to leave.

4. Dig through your documents and detangle. Some employers will ask you to leave immediately. Tidy up your inbox and your files (virtual or real) before you give notice. While it’s never a good idea to have personal documents or correspondence commingled with your work stuff, it definitely happens, so sort through it prior to giving notice.

5. Deliver Notice:

• Depending on your workplace, meet with your supervisor and announce your resignation face-to-face or voice-to-voice if at all possible. While it can be scary, it is also empowering to be calling the shots on this very important decision. Plan it out. Imagine what you want to say, and measure it against any future repercussions. Then, provide a polite, formal written notice of your resignation with just the basic facts to your supervisor immediately after the discussion, and, if required, to the HR department. This notice period is typically two weeks, but it can vary depending on your employment contract. A longer notice might be appreciated, but in my experience, a longer notice doesn’t mean that your employer takes good advantage of the extra time. 
• Clearly state your last working day and any outstanding tasks you plan to complete before leaving.

6. Delegate and Document:

• Work with your team to delegate your tasks and responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition for your colleagues and the company.
• Document your ongoing projects, processes, and any other relevant information that will help your successor or team members in your absence.

7. Depart Gracefully:

• Maintain a positive and professional attitude during your remaining time with the company. Finish your tasks responsibly and be available for knowledge transfer.
• Express gratitude to your colleagues and the organization as a whole. Networking and maintaining positive relationships can be beneficial in the future.

Need someone to hold space to help you decide? I'd be happy to help. Message me or click her to set up a call.