9 Things To Do Before Quitting Your Job

So there I was in 2006, after 13 years with the same Fortune 150 company, but in many different roles including executive management. My first company right out of college. My wife and I made a decision to make a change in our lives and go for a risky chapter, but one that could put the things we valued most in life as a priority. So in the summer of 2006, I started taking evening classes to get my real estate license. My wife and I started looking for houses and schools in the new location we wanted to move. We started executing a plan, we thought a plan, to make a career move, pivot, quit my job her job, etc... and start a new venture. Mine in commercial Real Estate, she would continue in the healthcare field. Well as you know the crap hit the fan end of 2006 and 2007. That plan we though we had was throw right out of the window.

So as January 2020 launched I began to look back at the last decade. And also the feedback I was getting form clients of why they wanted me to be their coach and why now, etc.. 99% were they either had already started a new business and quit a job or they wanted to start a business and quit their job. So I thought to make the 1st Qtr content focused on just that. What does it take, how to do it, what you must be willing to risk, who should be on board, how to know when, etc..

The first part is to begin thinking through the quitting process and just put a plan on paper so when you are ready you can move on an opportunity quickly. By the way there are no greener pastures. There is cow crap on both sides of any fence. So don't make that the reason for making a change.m

It can be exciting to leave one job for another. However, you can’t just turn out the lights and wave goodbye on your way out to the parking lot. There are several actions that should be taken to ensure a smooth transition for you, your employer, and your replacement. It’s professional and intelligent to leave your company in a positive way. Think of it s a relationship and always take the high road. You want your employer to say, we REALLY will miss Sally or Joe. They made a difference here. As when I left I was told the door would always be open if I wanted to come back. My years of dedication, loyalty was also shown as how I planned my exit.

Here are just a few steps to consider as you lay out a plan. Take these necessary steps to leave your company properly:

1. Have another job lined up or the necessary pieces to launch your next alrerady underway or ready. Just like I had already gotten my real estate licenses and talked with some people to make sure it was something I would be passionate about. Unless you’re highly confident or wealthy, it would be much wiser to have another job waiting for you. Your savings can drain a lot faster than you might think, especially if you have a lot of free time on your hands. Trust me on the savings thing. I didn't get a pay check for a year and half in 2006 and 2007 because of the recession and that is an eye opener. SO be prepared for the worse.

It’s wise to ensure that you won’t suffer financially when you leave your current employment. I was luckily enough to find a great partner, build a niche business in real estate auctions and really make a windfall out of a tough market. All markets have opportunity. You just need to find it and go all in.

2. Give your letter of resignation. Two-three weeks of notice is customary. It’s not required. You’re free to leave your job without notice, just as you can be fired without notice. However, it’s polite and the smart way to handle the situation. I met with everyone in the company one on one I knew me leaving would impact, meaning put more on their plate or impact their goal achieving for that quarter. I also met a length with my boss and made sure my replacement was set up for the highest success. The rest was up to that person, but I left knowing I did my part. Also have a truthful reason of why you are leaving. A respectful well thought out reason. Mine was simply I wanted to test myself as a business owner.

3. Be intentional to not just throw away the relationships you grew over the years. Be intentional to stay in touch. Here it is 13 years later and I still emial, text, DM, etc people I worked with. On their birthdays, holidays, life events. Because I really care.

4. Clean out your office. Go through your files and purge those items that don’t need to be saved per company policy. The business still is running regardless of you leaving. Remove any personal items and take them home. Your office should be ready for the next person when you’re finished. Leave a letter for the next person on tips that you found were helpful. Every passing President leaves a letter for the next. It is honorable.

5. Avoid burning bridges. It can be tempting to tell your boss and certain coworkers what you really think but think twice before taking that course of action. It’s surprising how often that type of behavior can come back to haunt you.

You never know what the future may hold. It’s best to keep your negative thoughts to yourself.

6. Go out on good terms. This isn’t the same as not burning bridges. Make an effort to go out on a positive note, not just a neutral note. Say goodbye to everyone and thank them. You never know who might be in a position to hire you one day. You also might be in need of a recommendation at some point.

7. Update your resume. This is a quarterly thing for me. Even though I own my own business, I check myself each quarter and update my resume and make it available on Linkedin. Before leaving your current position, update your resume to include everything you’ve accomplished. List any responsibilities and skills that aren’t already on your resume. Update your LinkedIn profile, too.

8. Be aware of your options regarding your retirement accounts. Swing by your HR department and understand your options for moving or keeping your retirement accounts. This is so critical. Know your medical coverage options, retirement options, costs , etc..

9. Visit the doctor. Depending on the deductible and quality of your new insurance plan, it might be smart to hit the dentist, eye doctor, or get a physical before your current insurance runs out.

Avoid at all cost the urge to leave a job based on emotion. You must be methodic al, honorable, loyal, kind, courageous, high road always and know that the change is for you no matter what any one says. Be committed. Consider the consequences of not having a job and the possibility of struggling to find a new one. More than a few people have made this mistake.

Enjoy the last few weeks of your current employment. I still have dreams about the people I worked with and the days I worked for my employer. They were good days. They were tough days. But they helped me get to where I am today and for that I will be forever thankful. I know the boss I want to be, the employer I want to be, these skills I have now I never would have learned in school, nor recognized the land mines not to step on (All of them). Take the time to exit your company wisely and not negatively charged. You’ll be glad you did. 

Robert Barber, CHPC is lead educator for the ROYI Academy. Serial business owner. 2018 sales $918mm. BSEE. MBA. Fortune 150 HR Executive and Startup Experience. Contact for coaching, consulting and speaking engagements.