PeopleSolved Australia Newsletter
Quit your job
- without ruining your career, your sanity, or your reputation
The world is small. Having dedicated a significant portion of my professional journey in the UK, I was once convinced that within London, a mere four degrees of separation separated us all, resulting in a network where everyone seemed to know everyone else. Returning to South Africa, the circle tightened to a three-degree separation. However, my recent arrival in Melbourne, has uncovered a striking revelation—the intricate web of relationships compresses further to a mere two degrees of separation.
Quitting well is important because whether we like it or not - people like to talk. Confidential conversations, references, "this call never happened but what can you tell me about so and so".
There are some bridges you just don't want to burn. Every industry is its own small world, and word can travel fast. Quitting well is also important for you.?It's a time when you can practice caring for yourself?and really clarify what you want and need?when it comes to your future work life.?
I've quit previous roles really well and I've also botched some incredibly badly.
Here are some tips on how you can leave your job with courage, confidence, and clarity.
Find the courage in leaving your job.?
This requires some reflection.?The people I work with rarely go through the job search process?because they want more money.?There's almost always a deeper reason why they're moving on.?The trick is trying to identify precisely what that is.?What about this job felt out of alignment?with your goals and values??What tasks and experiences did you enjoy,?and which of your skills and strengths felt underutilised??What would make for a better fit in a work environment??By pinning down those deeper issues,?you can come back to them any time you feel unsure or scared.
Once you've asked those big questions, create a checklist of what you want to prioritise going forward. Perhaps you're inclined towards joining a company with a strong mission. Maybe you'd be fine with a longer commute if it means having the chance to truly thrive in your role. Maybe WFH is important because you want to spend more time with family and you'll sacrifice a higher salary for a specific benefit like equity or quality of life.
At this point in time, it might be good to ask yourself - “What would the best version of me be doing next?if there was nothing in my way?"?The goal with this question isn't to figure out everything for your career?for the next 20 years.?It's just too big.?Instead, try to identify that step?that will point you in the right direction,?the one that will give you courage. And once you have it in mind, I want you to set some goals,?but not outcome-based ones like, finding a new job in three months?or getting a position in a major ASX listed company.?Instead, I want you to set process-based goals?as these are much more within your control.?A great goal could be,?"Every week, I want to reach out to someone new in my industry or network"?or “Every day for the next 90 days,?I want to dedicate 45 minutes to my job search."?You want to create great habits whilst you pursue your goals.?You'll be more likely to achieve the outcomes you want.
Be brave and leave your job.?
That means digging into the details.?If you're leaving before having another job lined up,?start by doing a financial checkup?so you know how much it costs you to live each month.?Total up all your non-negotiable expenses to get that baseline figure?and try to have three to six months in savings?so you have a safety net and can handle emergencies.?
Once you've reflected on what's next, this should bring you to the place where you can leave your job with clarity.?Talk to your manager about how you can close things out on a good note?and consider putting together a transition memo?with the details on all of your responsibilities?so others can step in and take them over.?
As you're getting ready to leave,?think about strengthening relationships.?Invite those people you're close with for lunch or coffee?and tell them your plans.?Get their personal contact information,?lay the groundwork to stay in touch and then put the effort into actually doing it.?So many people don't!
If you have the resources,?I also invite you to consider taking a career break,?whether it's a couple of weeks or a couple of months.?I’ve seen a lot of clients do this, and it can be so powerful.?It puts you in an active position, sure of what you want?and willing to wait for it?rather than limiting your options to what's available right now. So instead of jumping right into looking for a job,?take that time to debrief.?Start sharing what you're looking for with your network.?It's much more likely that your next step will come through your network?than through applications.?
Don't worry about specific titles or specific companies.?
Just give them the vision of what you're looking to do?and what your priorities are.?This will help them get creative?in thinking about where you could be a good fit.?And get them to think of you when they hear things?that could be a match.?Give them a broad target?rather than limiting it to a tiny bullseye.
Networking is a two-way street. You've got to also show them the value of your connection.?You can help them achieve their goals, too.?And you might be surprised by what opportunities can come?as a result of these conversations.?
Perhaps they recommend you for a role at their company,?giving you a much better chance at landing an interview.?Or maybe they mention you to someone else who can open doors for you. The bottom line is that leaving a job is a chance to get to know yourself better.?It has the power to shake up the status quo?and help you see those things that might not be so obvious.?
So my advice is to hone in on what matters,?and from there, you'll be able to chart your path.
Congratulations
Networking event
I'm excited to announce that I'm planning to host a series of intimate networking events before the end of the year. But before finalising the topics, I want to hear from you and ensure that the events cater to your interests and needs.
Please take just 30 seconds to fill out the form below and let me know which topics you would prefer for these upcoming events:
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I understand that time is precious, and attending every event might not be feasible so your feedback will help me curate the most valuable and engaging experiences for our community.
Let me know in the comments section if there are any topics that I've left off the list. Stay tuned for further updates on the events. Looking forward to connecting with you all soon! ?????
Recent Travels
?? Sunshine Coast! ????
I recently had the pleasure of spending two incredible and highly productive days on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. It was an absolute delight to soak up the sunshine and experience the warm weather. A refreshing change from the chilly 8 degrees I left behind in Melbourne (no wonder so many Melburnians head up north!).
During my visit, I had such a great time meeting industry leaders who share a deep passion for the area's development. They generously shared their plans with me, emphasising how these initiatives would positively impact the local community.
There are some industries that have just continued to thrive throughout the last few years - Tourism, Aged Care, Insurance, and Infrastructure are all experiencing remarkable growth.
Notably, there is talk of a brand new sports stadium in the works, accompanied by the anticipation of a new sports team. I'm excited to see which sports code they will choose! Footy, Soccer, League or Union???
Education, healthcare, and research are also flourishing, with significant investments being made in new hospitals and the surrounding areas.
With the Olympics around the corner, construction and real estate are also key areas to watch for further growth and opportunities.
If you ever find yourself on the Sunshine Coast, I highly recommend connecting with Paul Fisher over a cup of tea. He is an ardent advocate for all things Sunny Coast and possesses a wealth of knowledge and insights to share.
??. Adelaide! ????
I'd never been to Adelaide before so when a client asked me to come through and talk about a specific assignment, I jumped at the opportunity to visit 'The City of Churches'.
Although it was a FIFO day I had a great chance to speak to some industry leaders in the Adelaide market. Just off the back of Gather Round AFL week, the NRL was moving into the city for the State of Origin and you could definitely feel that there was a buzz throughout the city.
?? A Thriving Business Ecosystem:
Adelaide's business ecosystem is on the rise, with a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration. While industries like mining, wine, manufacturing, and the government sector play a significant role, I was particularly impressed by the city's focus on advancements in education and health sectors. The presence of leading universities and research institutions fuels a culture of innovation, attracting top talent and propelling technological advancements forward.
?? Gateway to Markets:
Getting to Adelaide was surprisingly convenient, with just a short flight from Melbourne. The strategic location of the CBD offers a distinct advantage for business travelers, ensuring seamless access to markets. The airport and amenities, including the impressive Virgin Australia business lounge, enhance the overall experience of those arriving and departing.
?? A High Quality of Life:
During my stay, I couldn't help but notice how everyone I spoke to raved about Adelaide's exceptional quality of life. It's an enticing destination for professionals and families alike. The city boasts affordable living costs, excellent healthcare facilities, and world-class educational institutions. The compact CBD, where you can stroll from one end to the other in just 30 minutes, adds to the charm and convenience of Adelaide's lifestyle.
I could definitely see why families live her and then travel to the larger Metro hubs. Not bad at all.
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