Changing jobs can be a very stressful experience. Anxiety about the ‘big unknown’ often drives fear into the minds of many individuals. The opportunity to create a fresh start is an enticing one, but it also presents individuals with a number of important decisions to make.
Proper planning is a vital catalyst to this process. When it comes to changing your job, it’s important to consider issues such as financial security for the foreseeable future.
Be honest about your reasoning for quitting
Before quitting, make sure you can answer the question ‘why are you quitting?’ Source the true reason for your decision and make sure you won’t regret it at a later stage. Consider other options, such as discussing improvements with your boss, as well as issues that may be troubling to you.
Save for a rainy day- secure a reliable financial plan
It’s essential to devise a realistic, well-planned solution to cover your financial needs for an uncertain period of time. Make sure you have sufficient resources to see you through an extended period of time. Ideally, before quitting, you should have a year’s living expenses covered financially, with extra room for unexpected expenses which may deplete your savings.
Do the necessary calculations
Do the math before quitting. Calculate exactly how much you spend on a monthly basis. Work out you cashflow by looking at how much money is coming in as well. (This could be in the form of passive income.) Your calculations should give you a realistic outlook for what lies ahead.
Decide on your next step
Before quitting, decide exactly how you want to send your time. Decide on several options which you can explore once you leave your current job. Make a list of goals you want to pursue and how you intend on pursuing them. Consider the realities that come with the pursuit of these goals.
Choose an ideal time to quit
Although no time may seem ‘ideal’ enough, make your move only once you have thoroughly considered your options. It’s often tempting to quit as soon as the thought enters your mind, but it’s important to look at the time of year at which you intend to quit.
Walking away at the end of the year is generally ill-advised, because you could miss out on potential bonuses. The hiring market during this period is also usually quite depressed, with not many companies hiring. Find a time that presents you with better prospects.
Take some time to consider your options
Make a list of pros and cons that come with quitting. Approach potential employers and make some inquiries. Consider I other options are truly better than your present position. Find out as much as possible about other options and if the benefits are truly worthwhile.
Increase your Visibility
In the lead up to quitting your job, increase your visibility by putting yourself and your skill set out there. Make yourself attractive to any employer you may be interested in. Keep your documentation up to date and ready. Keep your CV updated, along with your profile on professional networks such as Linkedin and Bizcommunity.
Availing your services for free by networking is also a good way of improving your profile and proving your worth.
Remain upbeat
Making any change has an effect on peoples’ psyches in different ways. Remaining positive provides a stable foundation for navigating through change. Maintaining a positive attitude is key towards going through a process of change as smoothly as possible. Leaving on good terms with your former employer is advisable as you don’t know what lies ahead of you and when you might just need a helping hand. By focusing on the positive, you present your best self to the world and potential employers.