Ready to Leave Your Job? Here’s How to Make the Move with Purpose

So you’re thinking about leaving your job?

Congratulations sis!

Making this decision can be a major step in continuing to pursue your purpose.

While visions of leaving your job may look like Angela Bassett in a scene from Set It Off it’s important to remember that your existing workplace relationships can help you build a bridge to your next destination. As you prepare for your next move, consider the following tips to help you move on with purpose:

1. Plan your exit.

How soon do you plan to leave? Keep the bonus schedule and any paid time off you have not utilized yet in mind as you are planning. Some companies will pay out your PTO, which can prove to be a nice inflow of cash at a time when you may be needing it. Now is also a good time to start organizing your work files and any workflows that might help those who step into your role after your resignation.

2. Make a list of those with whom you want to maintain contact.

Most of us have that corporate bestie we grab drinks with or direct message during our department’s Zoom meetings. This is a great time to make sure you have a way to reach them outside of the company.

If you are comfortable you can share your next steps with them. Whether it’s working for a different organization or launching your own business, sharing can help keep you top of mind if they know individuals who may be able to utilize your services.

3. Assess if your company has any specific needs that you may be able to help them with on a contract basis.

When I left my 9-to-5 job to become a work-from-home mom, my former employer hired me year after year to design their company yearbook from the comfort of my couch. This had been one of my favorite projects when I worked in the office and I was glad I could continue to produce it even after my transition.

If there is something you consistently do for your job that was not technically a part of your job description, then this may be a great place to begin.

For example, if you were or are a project manager who also managed the company’s social media profiles or created promotional graphics for events this might be something you can continue to do on a project basis.

This is particularly helpful for entrepreneurs if you do not have a list of leads just yet. Bringing your job on as your first client can help your cash flow while you build your business.

4. Leave a handwritten note for those you’ve worked with - this can be done person by person or by department.

Share a funny moment you shared together, reflect on your first day or talk about what lessons you’re taking away.

Though no employee is irreplaceable you want people to remember you when you leave. This simple act can help both you and them recognize the impact you’ve had and that they’ve had on you since working with this company.

Leaving your job can cause a wave of emotions but as you prepare to leave, remember that it’s not just the end of a chapter. It’s also a new beginning.