When was the last time you quit a job? Did you have an exit strategy? Today, many people leave a company within two years. This is in stark contrast to employment trends even within the last decade, when employees usually stayed in positions for longer periods of time. Due to constant advancements in technology, new jobs are created while other positions become obsolete very quickly. Many executives and professionals (especially those in the Millennial Generation) have learned that you must be on the look out for new opportunities, as the circumstances at one particular company may change drastically depending on the industry, their financial situation, or increased competition.
How you leave one job sets the tone for your transition into your next position. So while you may dream of telling a manager or co-worker your thoughts on how they could improve or create a better environment, resist the urge to speak negatively (even if you believe its true). This is your career and your life so keep thoughts focused on what you can control, yourself. I’m going to share 5 Tips For Implementing A Successful Exit Strategy.
5. Schedule the dates on your calendar
When planning any transition, like leaving a job, there are more dates to consider than just the day you put in your resignation. Think about any other preparations you want to make. Some companies ask you to leave immediately, so make sure you have your finances in order first. If you have another position lined up, consider your start date there. I recommend taking at least one week off between positions, to relax and spend time doing things you love!
4. Consult your support system
I explained the benefits of having a support system when it comes to creating success in a previous post. I encourage you to share your plan with one or a select few people in your support system. This could be a family member, friend, or your coach. Having someone else review your exit strategy can help to think about things you may have missed. Do you have the money to support yourself if events don’t go as planned?
3. Stay calm
It’s important to be calm throughout the transition process. Once some executives and professionals have begun planning to quit, they can become more emotionally reactive and leave to soon before they have their exit strategy in place. It’s also common for employees to become triggered on their actual resignation day. The reality is you may be working in a toxic environment that becomes even more negative once you give your notice. Practice a brief, vague response to say if you are asked questions.
2. Be flexible
Being adaptable to change is one of the most difficult things for executives and professionals to do when they want to quit their job. If your working environment is sucking the life out of you, its easy to get attached to a particular resignation date. Make an effort to resist this type thinking! Most of the exit strategies I’ve worked on with my clients have had to be modified in some way before they were implemented. Usually this involved pushing the resignation date back, to ensure they had a comfortable amount of money in their savings.
1. Keep quiet
Staying mum is the number one tip because it can literally make or break your exit strategy! If no one knows what you are planning then you are in an ideal position to change the strategy, dates, or decision to quit at all. The more people who are aware of your plan, the harder it is for you to focus on your ultimate goal. I’d highly recommend not telling anyone in your company. I know its difficult if you’re very close to your colleagues, but knowing someone is about to quit is just to juicy for most people to keep to themselves.
Making the decision to quit your job can be difficult. Once you’re sure that you want to move forward in a different direction, making an exit strategy is beneficial. Successful executives and professionals can confidently transition between positions because they value themselves and their time. Don’t spend another moment complaining or feeling stuck in a position that doesn’t serve you. Start creating your exit strategy today! Contact Fly High Coaching for your FREE Vision of Success Session.
Porschia Parker-Griffin
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