What to Do Before Quitting Your Job

Quitting a job requires careful planning for a professional exit. Key steps include evaluating your reasons for leaving, assessing your finances, reviewing your contract, timing your departure, documenting your work, preparing communications, tying up loose ends, and notifying your manager constructively. These steps help ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of your career.

EVALUATE YOUR DECISION Assess your reasons for wanting to leave - are they temporary issues or persistent problems that won't be resolved by changing roles? Switching roles may be the better option if the core problems can be addressed. Consider whether your values, skills and career goals align better with a different role at your current company versus a new job elsewhere. A role change could provide new challenges and growth opportunities.

CHECK YOUR FINANCES Carefully review your savings and create a detailed budget to cover expenses during any period of unemployment or job searching. Ensure you have enough financial runway. Understand the impact on benefits like health insurance if you resign - investigate options to temporarily continue coverage.

REVIEW YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT Check for any notice period requirements or non-compete clauses that could impact your ability to leave or join a competitor. Understand any contractual obligations you have to your current employer.

TIME YOUR EXIT Consider the timing of your resignation based on your current workload and any major projects or deadlines at the company. Aim to transition your work in an orderly manner and leave on good terms. Provide adequate notice to your employer to help ensure a smooth handoff.

DOCUMENT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Keep an up-to-date record of your duties, achievements and impact in your current role. This documentation will be valuable when applying for new jobs or negotiating a role change. Having clear evidence of your contributions will strengthen your case.

PREPARE A RESIGNATION LETTER Keep the letter concise and professional, expressing gratitude for the opportunity. State your last working day clearly. Avoid airing grievances and focus on the positives.

PREPARE FOR CONVERSATIONS Craft positive explanations for your departure, focusing on personal growth rather than job negatives. Be ready to respond to any counter-offers or questions about your decision. Have well-reasoned responses prepared to address concerns your manager may raise.

TIE UP LOOSE ENDS Aim to leave your projects and work in a good state for your team. Create thorough handover notes and guides to help the transition. Documenting your processes and status updates will make it easier for your colleagues to pick up where you left off.

NOTIFY YOUR MANAGER Request a private meeting to discuss your resignation face-to-face. Briefly explain your reasons, emphasizing it's about personal growth opportunities. Avoid blaming the company or your manager, and express gratitude for the experience you gained.

CHECK YOUR BENEFITS Last but definitely not least, take a thorough look at your benefits. Check your health insurance for options like COBRA or new coverage in the Marketplace, and consider how dependents may be impacted. For retirement accounts, evaluate your options for your 401(k): keep it in the current plan, roll it over, or cash out (keeping taxes in mind). Also, review your company's policies on PTO.

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What To Do Before Quitting Your Job