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We’ve all had bad days at work before. You know the ones we’re talking about—the ones that make you tear out your hair and threaten to leave that place behind! It all feels like talk in the moment, but sometimes, you know when it’s time to part ways for real, and that opens a whole can of worms about your future. Where do you go? What should you do? Is there enough in your savings account to last the dry spell?
It’s easy to tell someone in a bad spot that they should quit. It’s also fun to imagine that we’ll stumble into better positions. But the reality is that leaving your job is a lot more daunting than people think. If you’re truly planning to pack your bags, don’t walk out the door so fast!
Think About Your Future
Rage-quitting is only fun in the movies. In reality, it leaves us with rent and water bills to pay, and without a check to help out. There’s also no guarantee that a new company is any better than your current one, leaving employees to ponder an age-old question: Is it better to work for the devil you know?
Before you sign that resignation letter, think about your next steps first. Consider the financial cost of quitting and take stock of any monthly purchases. Crunch the numbers on your bills and subscription services, too. It’s rough out there, and you never know how long it might take to find another position.
Consider what you really want as well. Is this a career move that pivots into another field, or are you just stuck in a rut? If it’s the latter, there’s no harm in letting your employer address your concerns first; an honest discussion might smooth things over and help you excel. If, on the other hand, you’re making a big move, then you need to look at everything from schooling, certifications, and how to get your foot in the door.
Line Up Another Gig
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You’re going to need something to make ends meet, and that means another gig before heading out. The last thing you want is to get caught without a fresh opportunity, especially if you have dependents, so it’s time to dust off the ol’ resume and start applying.
It’s no surprise that job hunting sucks the soul from our bodies, but the good news is you’ll have a place to work before your next opportunity. In addition to the paycheck, keeping your current job also allows you to put your skills under a microscope. You’re probably doing a lot more than you think; track your weekly duties and be sure to include them under your experience!
It’s also okay if you don’t want to work for a while. However, if that’s your game plan, you still need a decent amount of prep to ensure you have the funds to support yourself. Even if that means freelance work, it’ll be something to keep you afloat.
Don’t Burn Any Bridges
Contrary to popular belief, it’s better to keep the lines of communication open with past employers. You don’t need to invite them to dinner, but you don’t need to torch any bridges either. Walking away from a dumpster fire not only hurts the next employee, but it doesn’t make you look any good either!
Formal resignations require the basics, like a proper letter and an exit interview. Whether or not that interview yields any results isn’t your problem anymore, but it at least opens the floor for honest criticism. It also gives you a chance to air any grievances, so don’t shy away from what you really think. Just make sure you keep it professional!
If you’re tasked with doing so, it’s also important to properly train any incoming hires. They should know the ins and outs of your job and how their success will be measured in the role. You can put together training materials, such as documents or onboarding videos, as well.
Double-Check the Legal Stuff
It’s not uncommon for shady businesses to target past employees. Whether that means they poach your ideas or flat-out deny requests, it’s important to check the legal jargon in your contract. How far in advance do you have to hand in a resignation letter? What work of yours is legally the company’s? Do you have any files to remove from professional equipment? Take a fine-toothed comb to the little stuff!
If your workplace was…less than satisfactory, you can also keep a paper trail of any infractions. Labor boards and law firms can help you seek any compensation you’re entitled to, but the more information they have, the better. (Paper trails also eliminate any he said, she said hearsay.)
It’s never easy to leave a comfortable position, but you know when it’s time to move on. Keep your well-being at the forefront and make sure your resignation goes as smoothly as possible. Trust us, you’ll be better off!
