How to Quit Your Job — Without Ruining Your Career | The Way We Work, a TED series

TL;DR

Learn how to quit your job with courage, confidence, and clarity, by reflecting on what you want, prioritizing your goals, and taking strategic steps forward.

Transcript

When you're fed up with your job, it can be tempting to do something big and dramatic. To yell, "I quit!" during a meeting and peace out, or post a video on social media calling out your former employer. But quitting well can actually be an opportunity for growth. [The Way We Work] Quitting well is important, clearly, because it impacts many of us ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚪 Quitting well is an opportunity for growth and should be done with courage, confidence, and clarity.
• 💡 Identify what felt out of alignment in your job and what you want in your next role. ⏳ Set process-based goals to create good habits while pursuing your goals.
• 💰 Do a financial checkup and prepare for your new financial reality before leaving your job.
• 🗓️ Give the appropriate notice, close out projects on a good note, and strengthen relationships.
• 🛠️ Consider taking a career break to debrief and share your vision with your network.
• 🤝 Remember that networking is a two-way street, and it can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• 🌟 Leaving a job is a chance for self-discovery and to shake up the status quo in order to chart your path.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is quitting well important when it comes to your career?

Quitting well is important because it can impact your future opportunities and professional reputation. In every industry, word can travel fast, and burning bridges can limit your chances for growth and success. Quitting well allows you to maintain positive relationships, leave on good terms, and open doors for potential future collaborations.

Q: How can you find courage in leaving your job?

To find courage in leaving your job, it's important to reflect on what felt out of alignment with your goals and values. Identify the tasks and experiences you enjoyed, as well as the skills and strengths that you felt were underutilized. By pinpointing these deeper issues, you can gain clarity on what you want and need in your future work life, helping you to overcome uncertainty and fear.

Q: What should be considered when setting goals after leaving a job?

When setting goals after leaving a job, it's recommended to focus on process-based goals rather than outcome-based ones. For example, instead of setting a goal to find a new job in a specific timeframe, set goals like reaching out to new people in your industry or dedicating a certain amount of time to your job search each day. These process-based goals are within your control and create positive habits that increase your chances of achieving desired outcomes.

Q: How can you leave your job with clarity?

Leaving your job with clarity involves giving the appropriate amount of notice, typically two weeks, but it may vary depending on your role and projects. It's important to communicate your departure with your manager, discuss how to close things out smoothly, and consider creating a transition memo detailing your responsibilities. Additionally, take the opportunity to strengthen relationships by connecting with colleagues and senior leaders, expressing your plans, and laying the groundwork for ongoing communication.

Q: How can a career break be beneficial after leaving a job?

Taking a career break after leaving a job can be highly beneficial. It allows you to actively define and communicate what you're looking for to your network, increasing the chances of finding a more suitable opportunity instead of settling for what's immediately available. This break gives you time to debrief, reflect on what you want, and engage in networking conversations that can lead to unexpected opportunities and connections. Don't hesitate to share your vision and priorities with others, as they may think of potential matches for you.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Quitting a job needs to be done well in order to maintain relationships and future opportunities.

• Reflect on the reasons why you want to leave and identify what you want in your next role.

• Prioritize your goals and set process-based goals to achieve them. Take care of your financial situation and strengthen relationships during the transition.