How to make a beautiful exit from a job you plan to leave
Not always easy to quit but there a few positives that can be useful while making your grand exit
Have you ever felt stuck in a job? As if you are on autopilot but cannot get out just yet because of commitments? Or have you committed mentally to go in a few months?
I have been in this predicament a few times myself, but I have succeeded in making the most out of those situations. The key is trying to see the positives and/or the benefits attached to your job. Obviously, there are certain jobs that are total dead-ends and operate downright toxic environments but what follows are some nuggets of wisdom you can use before your big D (departure or D-day whichever you prefer).
Colleagues and teams
There is something to be learned from each individual. Irrespective of the flaws of the person; whether he is a micromanager, incompetent employee, furiously competitive or brown nosing, everyone has strengths or skills that you can copy. I once had a very neurotic senior manager; she would micromanage her employees as If we were in kindergarten and she was the mistress. Also, she was big on office gossip, every time someone would turn their back, she would be criticizing them openly. This is where emotional intelligence went to die. However, she was very efficient at her job and always prioritise work-life balance. She rarely stayed back if she did not have to. I learn how to better manage my work in an efficient manner and leave the office on time. Similarly, however awful you think your colleagues are, if you are very observant or listen carefully you will definitely be a better person.
This is particularly helpful if there is an expert in your department, perhaps someone with years of expertise or who studied something in particular. Use that to your advantage and you will be golden for your next job.
Same goes for teams if you work collaboratively. Sometimes the job content itself can be draining but the team’s dynamics are excellent. Learn to separate your job description from the way the team works, what is the environment like? Is there a leader driving the group quietly or is everyone leading on the basis of their own strengths?
Skills & certificates
You know your exit is any minute now (if it is longer than that, I feel for you but trust that you will get out soon). If you are lucky enough and your office has a great L&D (learning and development) department, leverage that and go crazy on the internal courses. Nowadays people are getting qualified online entire degree sets online. Even internal courses matter, print them out and add that on to your CV. In the same way, keep an eye out for training or webinars. Sign up to all of them. Lunch and learns, seminars, coaching programs. Even if it is not, it is free education.
Network like you just discovered you were a closeted extrovert
This might sound counterintuitive, but you will have more energy once you make your decision to leave. Use that extra spring in your step to initiate conversations. Engage the receptionist. Walk around other departments and say hi. Find out how Karen in HR spends her lunchtime. (don’t you just love the Karens in HR and Suzannes in accounting?). If you are on very good terms with your bosses, invite them for lunches. Do not burn bridges. In fact, make sure you connect to the maximum number of people before you walk out the door.
Recruit people or bring in new business
Another contradictory idea since you are starting to detach from your work-based targets and performance reviews are the last thing on your mind. But it could be fun and certainly make the time go by quickly. Go out all and go out with a bang. One for the books. The one who quit on his best year yet. I sort of did that on my last job, I found two replacements. Sadly, I was leaving the country so was not even looking for a way in a few years. I just decided to take the responsibility of finding someone and recruiting off the plate of my boss. I knew my boss hated anything mildly related to human resources, so he was grateful and till today we are on very good terms. Same concept if you are more in a sales role, find a great client for your company as a departing gift. There is a weight off your shoulder once you make the decision to leave or hand in your notice; it is as if you are there but observing from a fresh eye’s perspective. Your brain is clearer, and you have more creative energy, use that to your advantage.
Leaving a job is not easy, especially if you already make a plan to leave but too early to communicate your decision yet. Make it fun but above all, make it memorable and grow in the process.
