How To Make An Exit Plan When Work Has Worked Your Last Nerve
Transition Tips On How To Quit
A lot of people are talking about how their jobs have become more stressful. You’d think working from home would be easier. However, I don’t think anyone anticipated the extra anxiety, pressure and tech complications of bringing your work into your home via Zoom or other video conference software. Working from home can be a blessing and challenge. You don’t have to travel, but now your coworkers and administrators, clients and partners are literally in your face and virtually in your home.
They’re watching your every move, fashion choice, demeanor, décor and glimpses of your home life. For some people it’s invasive and exhausting. It can also inadvertently provide too much information about your personal life to people who shouldn’t or wouldn’t normally have access under normal circumstances. Every sound or person, picture, painting or book in the background is another potential clue, comment or embarrassing disruption. Not to mention, how ill placed cameras and unmuted microphones have caused the embarrassing trend of bathroom and “bottomless” mishaps.
The pandemic and current political climate has a lot of people on edge whether they work remotely, in person or have a blended schedule. Little comments, annoyances, microaggressions and disagreements have morphed into full on attacks and conflict. This is problematic considering the pandemic related high unemployment rates and new work/life challenges.
What if it’s time to go? If you’re finding yourself wound so tight you’re going to explode or you’ve got Zoom fatigue and you’re fed up with office politics and passive aggressive, unnecessary email cc’s — it might be time to leave, but you need to be strategic and have an Exit Plan.
If you’re a professional, quitting on impulse isn’t wise. You don’t want to burn bridges and unless you’re wealthy, you need the money. However, nothing is worth you compromising or sacrificing your sanity, values, health or self worth. So here are some tips to leave and make a smooth transition.
Exit plan tips
- Pray or meditate to center yourself to determine if you’re not being reactionary or making a decision based on emotion or due to stress.
- Assess the situation. The two big questions are: Why do I want to leave? Is leaving the best option for you and your family? Take a step back and really analyze what’s going on. Look at yourself first. Ask what you’re doing or saying that may be contributing to your discontent or a conflict. Then, look at all the players involved, see if you have allies? Look for positives and strengths first. Then, write down the problems and challenges, prioritize what’s really a serious issue and what can YOU let go and can possibly change before you transition.
- Make a timeline and budget. Only you know the urgency of your situation, but you need consider your notice policy. A minimum or 60 days is advised if you’ve secured another position, if you haven’t it could take as long as six months to a year to find a comparable position. You’ll need to tighten up expenses and it might involve some family meetings. You may need to take a part-time job or consulting gigs to pay down or pay off debts and pack your savings account. Trim any fat or unnecessary expenses like Starbucks and yoga — make your own coffee and find a YouTube video.
- Update your resume and start to interview. Have a friend or family member help you with revisions and mock interviews if you’re a little rusty. Posting your resume may be a little tricky so I’d keep it private and apply for jobs on Indeed or on industry job boards. Use part-time job or consulting pitches as practice interviews. Try not to list your current employer. I’ve seen some nasty situations happen when a prospective employers “just reached out” to a current employers.
- The most important part: Be discreet and don’t burn bridges. I know it’s hard when you feel wronged, but if you’re already in a contentious and stressful situation — telling your work friends and colleagues your plan to leave could make it worse. Chances are somebody is going to tell the powers that be or the person you have a problem with and they might try to force you out. The goal is to smoothly transition to another position — on your own terms — not under duress.
I’ve made this mistake in the past. Consequently, I cannot stress enough the importance of being quiet and observing. Even the most well meaning coworker can accidently spill the beans. Be strategic, I wouldn’t advise you to make a complete change either . You don’t want to arouse suspicion. I’m just saying, everyone doesn’t need to know how you feel and what’s your next move. Unfortunately in these situations alliances form and it can get ugly really quickly. Even though it’s in a professional setting — it’s still a break-up and some people get vicious when you try to leave them… Stay focused, breath, take a beat and really look at what you’d lose and possibly gain by leaving.
I wish we all could stay at our jobs until we retire, but unfortunately that’s no longer the norm. As Shakespeare said, “to thine own self be true”. If you’re not happy and you can afford to leave or leaving is the best or only choice — make a plan — implement it and smoothly transition to bigger and better things.
I hope this was helpful.