The workforce looks a lot different since COVID, and along with those changes came an influx of people leaving their jobs.
Rolling into 2023, less than 50% of Americans are very satisfied with their employment, and if you fall in the other half, you may be ready to find something new. But quitting without a plan may be dangerous to your financial and mental health.
As soon as those thoughts begin crossing your mind that you want out, it’s time to make an action plan. With these tips, you can effectively and efficiently leave your job and jump into your next career without major hiccups in your way.
1. Tackle Your Finances
Maybe your current job isn’t paying enough for you to reach your financial goals. Moving into another, more lucrative career is the smarter option. But is it feasible right now?
Unless you have a job offer on the table ready to be signed, you’ll likely be out of a job and paycheck for a few weeks. Is your financial situation ready to handle that? How will you pay your bills until those steady deposits start coming in?
Reduce Monthly Bills
As you search for your next career move, consider cutting back your expenses and paying off bills where possible. An easy way to save a few dollars is to check out different phone plans and insurance companies to find lower rates. If your credit is good, try to get approved for a 0% interest card and move other loans with higher interest rates to that card.
Consider taking a side job to put some savings in the bank or pay off those debts. Freelancing, delivery driving, and rideshares are popular side gigs that can pay well.
When you have the plan to cover at least a couple of months’ worth of bills, whether through a new job offer or savings, you can safely leave your current workplace.
2. Make Use of Your Insurance
Does your current job provide you with health, dental, and/or vision insurance? Do you make good use of your coverage?
Even if you’re overall healthy, it’s wise to schedule annual checkups and tests before you quit and lose your insurance. Most companies pay for coverage a month in advance, so you’ll still have benefits for a few weeks after you quit.
But you don’t want to wait until the last minute to make an appointment only to find out the office is booked until after your insurance expires or there’s a problem, and you need follow-up testing.
When you’re serious about leaving your job, make an appointment for a vision screening, a dental cleaning, and a wellness and physical exam. You’ll likely need bloodwork and other lab tests.
Depending on your health and age, your doctor could recommend a mammogram, a colonoscopy, bone density tests, and many other wellness screenings. These are usually free or low-cost with insurance, so go ahead and get them done while you have coverage.
3. Tweak Your Resume
When was the last time you updated your resume? If it’s been a while between jobs or you don’t have one, take a few hours to sit down and make sure this document is impressive enough to get you to your next professional goal.
Think about what skills you’ll need to land your dream job, and then adjust your resume so that they showcase those traits. If you don’t have what you need to compete with other applicants, you’ll know before quitting, which gives you time to make a plan.
It could be as simple as taking an online course or getting certified in a particular skill or program. Find out which skills will get your foot in the door for an interview, and then learn them while you still have a steady income.
4. Stay Professional
Maybe you’re leaving because the environment you’re in is toxic or your manager is too hard to work for. No matter how emotional things get, do your best to stay professional. You never know when you’re going to need a recommendation from your employer or a co-worker.
Treating others the way they treat you is often tempting, but that will impact your reputation. Research claims that we are all six degrees of separation away from each other. While that’s not 100% accurate, the theory behind it makes sense. At some point in your future, someone you worked with will run into someone else that you want to impress. What will they talk about when they realize they both know you? That’s where your professionalism and reputation come into play.
Give your employer the standard two-week written notice, and let them know you’re looking for greener pastures that will help you further your career. Keep your temper and other emotions in check. Leave on a positive note, and your reputation will follow you. Also if you think you have capability to start an online business then you should need to start work on it and there are many best shopify apps which can help your online business to grow fast.
Conclusion
You’re ready to jump ship and find another career that is more rewarding. It’s a reputable goal; if you do it right, it can be a successful professional move. The key is to avoid making those leaps without a plan. Follow these four tips before you leave your current job, and you’ll be more likely to have a smooth transition.