Quit your job but don’t ruin your career

Fed up with your job? Can’t wait to say good riddance to your employer?

Before doing anything dramatic, stop and think. Avoid acting in a way you’ll regret down the track. Avoid being rash, which could have a negative impact on finding new work opportunities. This approach could even ruin your career.

Quitting your job isn’t a ‘just-do-it-and-work-it-out-later’ scenario. Smooth departures require a considered, strategic and calm approach.

Career coach Gala Jackson knows this all too well. In an inspiring Ted Talk (#TheWayWeWork) she describes a 3-step strategy that will prevent you from staining your reputation when you quit your position.

In this face2face Recruitment expert article, we explore Gala’s advice. Our expert recruiters have added additional insights to consider so you quit in a way that is professional and considered, not reactive and out-of-control.

What to avoid

Letting word out

Don’t let the word out with your colleagues that you’re going to quit, even colleagues you trust. This will get to your boss faster than lightning strikes. Then you’ll be on the back foot and left with an awkward ’please explain’ moment. You may even be asked to leave your job before you’re ready.

Publishing your intentions

If you publish your intention to quit on your social media platforms, you’re at immediate risk. Once again, word could easily and quickly get back to your boss, especially if you publish on LinkedIn.

Packing up early

When you pack your personal items and clear your desk before you announce you’re quitting, it becomes obvious to everyone, including your boss, that something is about to happen. This puts the rumour mill into full swing.

Walking out

No matter how frustrated you are, never walk into your boss’ office and announce, ‘I’m out of here.’ You never know when you may need a reference from your current workplace. And you never know if you’ll cross paths with your boss in a future work environment (it’s a small world after all). This approach signals you’re emotional and rash. Word travels fast.

How to approach quitting

Gala says to quit your job with courage, confidence and clarity.

Courage

Have the courage to reflect on why you’re quitting. Chances are it’s not just about money. What are the deeper reasons? Is it a personality clash with your boss? Does the job not align with your values? Do you fundamentally disagree with the organisation’s goals and approach? Do you feel your skills aren’t appreciated or being used?

Also, reflect on what you want in a new job. Make a checklist and refer to it often. Prioritise this list so the most important elements for your career move remain top of mind.

Gala says to imagine the strongest version of yourself – what would you be like in the workplace if nothing was in your way? Identify the next step that will point you in the right direction.

Set goals that are driven by process because they’re more within your control. Gala says, for example, you could set a goal of reaching out to someone in your industry or network every week. Or dedicate an hour every day to your job search, for the next 90 days.

Confidence

If you’re leaving your job before you have something inspiring lined up, create a financial checklist to determine how much you need to live until you land your dream job. Be detailed and realistic and try to ensure you have a safety net to cover you off for, say 3 months.

Also, assess the financial implications of quitting your job – what does this look like?

Clarity

Be clear on how to exit professionally. Leaving your employer high and dry isn’t going to go down well.

No matter how desperate you are to say, ‘good riddance’, provide ample notice, and the right amount of notice expected. Then focus on closing everything off on a good note, with your professional reputation intact, says Gala.

Walking out the door and leaving colleagues or others to tidy up unfinished business will likely have a negative impact on your teammates, and this is the last thing you need.

Document everything clearly so those who assume your responsibilities have an easy transition. Be detailed. Where are things up to? Where are the files located? What issues need to be considered? What deadlines are involved? What contacts need to be noted?

Also, be clear on how to strengthen relationships as you’re getting ready to leave. Lay the groundwork for staying in touch, says Gala. Have a coffee with close colleagues and let them know how you can be reached.

Other tips

• It can be healthy to take a few days off after exiting, for a short breather. This will give you the energy you need to start looking for new work. Don’t take too much time, however. You don’t want to lose momentum.
• Consider contacting a recruiter if you’re not already signed up with one. Talk about your checklist. This will position them to think laterally about opportunities. Here are some benefits of working with a recruiter.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Then you’ll be ready to quickly tailor them to individual jobs that come up. Here is more career advice …
• Tidy up your social media presence. Employers do check social media. Now is the time to have a healthy social media profile. Here are tips for cleaning up your online profiles.
• In addition to looking for specific jobs, take time to refresh yourself on essentials, like how to modernise your resume, write an elevator pitch and cover letter. Also, get your head wrapped around interview techniques, including the STARR method. Our free expert articles are a gold mine of valuable information and tips. You’ll learn heaps without having to invest hours and hours of research.
• Keep your networks alive. Many jobs present themselves through networks and not applications. Talk to people about your broad aims and vision for yourself. Networking is worth the time and effort.
• Don’t bag your employer. When reaching out to others, be realistic about why you left your job but never bag your employer or workplace. Instead, focus on your checklist. It’s better to say, ‘I’ve decided to pursue a career that aligns with my inner values.’ than ‘I couldn’t stand my boss. They were terrible to work for and I didn’t respect them.’ Read more on quitting a job.
• Be patient and hold on to what matters to chart the right path forward. Finding new work can take time and it can be scary and frustrating. Continuing to focus on the important things will keep you grounded and motivated.