Prepare properly to leave your job

So you’ve decided it’s time to quit your job. That can be pretty scary territory for anyone.

You probably want to take more control of your career and have decided it’s time to move on. So don’t let this in between period when you know you’re quitting but you haven’t left yet happen TO YOU. You make it happen.

Here are four things you can do to take control of this transition period:

1. Compile what you need – Collect current contact information from references, potential networking associates and vendors and clients, if appropriate. Ask for letters of recommendation from your supervisors. Make or update a portfolio of your work.
2. Organize your safety net – If you’re not going to another employer immediately, but will be looking for a job, it’s crucial to save as much as you can. You want to have at least six months of living expenses saved up. Going through all this bookkeeping will help you set your timeline for leaving your current job.
3. Do you research – Be as knowledgeable as possible about what you plan to do next, whether it’s going back to school, changing careers completely or moving to a new company.
4. Give it a test – If at all possible, test out your plans. Thinking of working from home? Take a week off, set up a home office and see what it’s like. Consider volunteer opportunities where you can give your desired profession a try.

This transition period provides these great opportunities to prepare yourself for what’s to come as much as possible. Don’t waste it!

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