7 Things to Do Before Quitting Your Job
One of the trending topics these days is The Great Resignation. According to an article published in NPR, millions of employees are quitting their jobs. As pandemic life subsides in the United States, workers say, “I quit” in search of more happiness, flexibility, and money. Many are rethinking how they spend their time, what work means, and how the organization values them.
If you’re considering quitting your job and joining the millions of people in The Great Resignation, make sure you are prepared. The last thing you want to happen is for your plan to backfire badly. Here are some suggestions you should keep in mind before resigning from your current job:
Get Your Finances in Order
Ask yourself: how much cash do you have in your savings account? Determine if the money you’ve stashed is enough to help you get your startup off the ground (if you’re running a business) or land your dream job (if you want to move to another company).
Check if you have enough in your emergency fund. Ideally, keeping at least three months’ expenses would be best. If you are paying many bills, such as monthly subscriptions, student loans, and a home loan, you’ll need more savings in your bank account.
Develop Other Sources of Income
Leaving your job can be easier if you have more than one income stream. You do not need to have several income sources. If you have some investment income or a couple of side hustles that will keep you financially stable, you’ll be in a better position to make job decisions without getting stressed about paying the bills.
Take Advantage of Your Employee Benefits
If your company offers various perks through something like an employee benefits platform, you will have access to these benefits for as long as you’re working, so make the most of them before you leave. Are the dental check-ups of all your family members up to date? If not, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Are you due for a new prescription for your glasses? Arrange that eye exam now.
If you are fortunate enough to have a company offering a confidential employee assistance program, consider scheduling a meeting with a counselor or a therapist to discuss your decision to leave your job. Experiencing feelings of loss is normal, even when you are the one who has decided to exit the company. Talking about your planned resignation with a qualified counselor may help alleviate the transition.
Save Work Samples
Transfer some examples of your work and other documents that will be helpful in future jobs to your e-mail or home computer. Would you please make sure they are non-proprietary, though? Also, make sure that you have all your details on your computer. Don’t forget to obtain the contact information of the colleagues you’d like to stay in touch with.
Some organizations will escort you to your cubicle to box up personal items. They’ll then cut off your computer access when you tell them you are leaving the company. So make sure that you gather the information you need before submitting your resignation letter.
Request a Performance Evaluation
If your performance review is coming up in a few months, ask your manager or team leader and see if they can schedule the evaluation a little earlier. Departing the organization with a clear sense of what the employer thinks of you and what you have accomplished during your stay with the company can bump up your confidence.
Moreover, this can make getting a good reference easy for you. Just make sure to obtain a signed copy of your performance evaluation at the end of your discussion with your team leader or manager.
Find a Mentor
Don’t go on a journey on your own. Look for someone who can guide you along with your entrepreneurial or career journey.
A few of the benefits of getting a mentor are the following:
- It helps expand your professional network;
- It saves you money because you don’t have to hire a business coach or a career counselor;
- It helps you manage your emotions properly by offering emotional support and advice;
- Make sure you do not commit avoidable career or business mistakes you will regret later in life.
Things to do Before quitting a job: Never Burn Any Bridges
Refrain from saying, “So long, suckers!” to your boss or employer, even if they haven’t treated you well. Instead, take the time to say “thank you” to people who have helped you be productive in your job. Send a goodbye e-mail to everyone you’ve worked with, including vendors, clients, and co-workers. When you leave the organization, keep a positive attitude and walk out of the office with your head held high.
