5 Things You Should Do Before Quitting Your Job

I’ve written a few resignation letters in my time; some with unbridled joy and some with complete uncertainty I was making the right move.  It’s a big decision.
 
“The Great Resignation” is a real thing.  Right now, in North America, there is a high degree of unemployment AND a labour shortage – something you don’t normally see happen at the same point in time.  Thanks to the pandemic professionals have been given the time and occasion to re-evaluate how well their current work is working for them.  Many jobs and employers have come up short of expectations.
 
It’s natural (and healthy) to periodically look at where you are in your career so you can course correct.  Early in your career you likely didn’t have a plan (other than to get a job, in your field if possible). From there you may have followed a path of happy coincidence, moving to jobs that worked well for you, climbing the corporate ladder, and feeling good about your career progression.  Unusual and disruptive events in life do make us beautiful humans reflect; is this why I got into this work?  Is this enough for me?  Am I living up to my potential? Am I doing the kind of work I find meaningful?  These are all strong questions to consider in your career.
 
For some, the pandemic was a harsh mirror that reflected a life that was spending too much time working and not enough time on the things that really mattered. If you’re one of the many professionals who’s asking yourself if this is all there is in your life and career, here are some critical things to do before you write that resignation letter.

• Use your reflections to fuel your next move.  So, you have more to give, and you want more meaning in your work and career. Make a list of what you are specifically stepping out of (work you really don’t want to do anymore) and what you want to do more of (this could be work you do today, or work you aspire to do and haven’t had the chance to yet).  The more specific you can be the better, because this will help ensure you don’t drop from the “frying pan and into the fire”.

• Where does the work you want “live”?  If your current employer doesn’t have it, who does?  Do the research, follow companies you’re interested in on LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.  See if the work they are involve in is work you want to do.  Find out what kind of employer they are, check them out on Glass Door.  If they are publicly traded, check out their latest annual report (no point in moving to a tanking company).

• Have strong collateral.  When you’re thinking about moving jobs, your resume and professional social media profiles need to stand out.  This is more than listing your job duties (please don’t do that).  This is about capturing your achievements at work and writing them in a succinct way that intrigues your future employer, compelling them to invite you to an interview to find out more. It’s easier to do than you think (and if this has you stuck, reach out, I can help).  Updating your resume and social profiles before you quit acts as a double check on your “emotional math”, helping you feel confident about your next steps.

• Start where you work.  If you know why you want out, and you’re headed in that direction, it’s worth it to see what can change where you work today.  In some cases, professionals are looking for something that is not in their current employer’s control, a better commute.  Today’s organizations have never had to plan for a return to work after a pandemic, yours might be open to a different working arrangement that addresses your biggest pinch point. If your concerns are about other issues, having this difficult conversation could be the ticket to bringing about the kind of opportunities and changes you need to stay – but you’ll never know unless you ask.  Lastly, there may be opportunities for you in another part of your organization, don’t jump before you’re sure there is nothing left for you here.

• Amp up your networking.  The most informed way to find your next quality opportunity, is through professional networking.  If you’ve kept your network fresh over the pandemic, then you are in a good position to let others know you are looking and what you are looking for (feeding you any leads they come across).  If it’s been a while, you may need to re-build your network to start seeing the benefits.  Either way, this is hands down the best way to get quality job leads and is less soul sucking then the lottery that is applying to open job postings where you have no contacts.

 
When I’ve resigned (even when it was with unbridled joy) it wasn’t always my best move.  Objectivity plays a huge part in the success of any career move you make, qualifying what you want and realistically seeing what’s out there (and how well that will work for you).  While dream careers exist (being able to have meaningful work in your profession for an employer who respects you and invests in your potential or being able to get that kind of work elsewhere whenever you need to), perfect jobs do not.
 
When you’re considering any kind of job change, it’s important to understand what is non-negotiable for you and what you are willing to compromise to enjoy more of your work and life.  Flexibility within clear boundaries you are willing to hold is key to having your dream career.

Need a path to your
​Dream Career?  
​I've got it.

Book Today