Do these 3 things before you Quit Your Job and Seek Freedom

The Great Resignation Part I:
Prepare to Give Your Notice

You’ve read the headlines: The Great Resignation is here…and you want in.

Maybe you were waiting out the pandemic before resigning. Maybe your employer isn’t embracing flexibility in your hours or work location.

Perhaps you’re rethinking the meaning of your work, how you’re valued, or how you prioritize your time.

You are not alone.

The pandemic has changed mindsets—whether that is where and when you work, or a re-evaluation of your priorities and lifestyle. The Microsoft Work Trend Index found that 40%of people want to change jobs this year while Prudential’s Pulse of the American Worker Survey found that 26% of workers plan to look for new jobs (a statistic that increases to 42% if their current company does not continue to offer remote work options long term).

This momentum is exciting and confident! But before you quit your job and seek your freedom, be sure to do these 3 things:

1. Facilitate a Smooth Transition

Recommend a succession plan or transition coverage and offer to write a job posting for your position. Organize shared files, document processes, and provide a thorough and actionable status report to set your team, organization, and successor up for success. You’ll reinforce your value and leave a lasting impression of professionalism.

2. Be Clear and to the Point

Meet with your leader directly to let them know you will be leaving. Express your gratitude, explain that it’s time for you to move on, and state when your last day is. Prep yourself mentally in advance to politely decline any counteroffers. You’ve decided it’s time to leave and mentally have one foot out the door. Though the offer may be enticing, counters are frequently a panic move—both on the part of the employer and employee.

3. Write it Down

You’re so steeped in the work and people now, it’s hard to believe the memories will fade. They will. While it’s fresh and relevant, make a list of what you do on the job and what you’ve accomplished. Write down your achievements, the lasting contributions you’ve made, and pinpoint your impact (on the product/service, the brand, the process, the people, the company, etc.). Save your job description or original job posting and any non-proprietary work samples. Connect with your colleagues on LinkedIn. You may want to forget about these things as quickly as possible, but your future job search, resume, and interview prep will thank you.

Your experience is valuable and demands multiple offers. When it’s time to find your next job, contact us for senior-level interview preparation and candidate coaching. Until then, enjoy some well-deserved down time.