Valuable lessons to consider when transitioning between jobs

Well, recently, I had to start thinking about the next chapter in my career after 13 fantastic years, working with an amazing team. Wow, we have achieved so much together! Over the past 13 years, we have delivered continuous improvements in team engagement, retention, and customer experience and consistently grew EBIT and profit. So, why consider what's next? Well today, in fact, it's estimated that those entering the workforce now will have 17 different jobs over five careers during their working lifetime. WOW! So, 13 years could be considered a record at this point in time.

Although I don't necessarily subscribe to the old statement that young people just aren't committed, my view is that as leaders, we need to give the next generation reasons to stay.

Right now, I'm at a point in my career that calls for change. Sure, it can be scary, but my message here is not to run from this milestone in your career: you need to embrace it. When you're transitioning between careers, be clear on what is unique about you, why people will be interested in you (your CVP), be clear what you want to achieve, and when this is clarified look at who (company, culture and their vision) you may want to partner with.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it: transitioning careers can be a stressful, daunting time, particularly if you're like me and have only worked for three organisations over a 30-year-period. I often wondered if it was the right time to leave my then-job and if I were to leave it, how to do so on good terms. I imagine these are questions that many have, too, which is why I'm sharing my insights and advice on how to transition between jobs in a way that leaves you feeling confident and excited for the next chapter ahead.

First is Why: Reasons to Leave Your Job

Leaving your job because you don't find the work meaningful or fulfilling is just one reason why someone may look to transition careers. There are many others. In fact, you may want to consider a career change if any of the following are true:

• You are aspiring to do more
• You are aspiring to learn new skills
• You admire a company or person you want to work for
• You're not happy, learning or growing
• If you don't see a future for yourself in that role or company
• If something has changed in your life (children, family) and the schedule or hours no longer suit
• If you simply want a career change.

Whatever the reason, once you have decided to move on, it's essential to do it as smoothly and gracefully as possible since people will remember your last days more than the 13 years you have invested. 

Secondly, the How: The Best Way to Leave Your Job

How to leave your job is one thing. How to leave it well– without severing relationships - is another. You want to leave your job by walking out the front door proudly.

Here's how you can set yourself up for an exit strategy that is a positive and low-stress experience for both you and your employer.

Be Team Member of the month.

Even if you find it extremely difficult, now is the time to show up, complete your tasks and be positive. So, don't check out before you actually check out – no one ever got hired for their dream job by phoning it in at their last one.

Be prepared to leave.

Before you submit your resignation, remember this shouldn't be a surprise to your manager. Good managers will be open to a conversation, and those who value your contribution will try to talk you out of your decision to go. If this isn't possible, many will help you to realise your dream, I suspect, and they will also help you to be sure that you're ready to leave. 

Another crucial step is preparing a thorough handover for the next person.

If you have spent time building a quality business (or projects), you want to ensure you are giving the next person the best chance at growing the legacy you left. 

You also don't want to announce that you're going before you're ready to - the worst thing is prematurely announcing your departure and, for whatever reason, the new job opportunity falls through. 

Have a plan.

Sit down and consider how you want to submit your resignation. Will you simply tell your boss that you're giving notice? Or will you write a resignation letter? How will you deliver it? By email, or in person? I strongly advise you to share this news in person without hesitation, except when this isn't possible I would opt for Facetime, poly conference, or phone.

Regardless of what the right answer is for your situation, it's vital that you think about it from your organisation's perspective. You want to be the person your boss would love to hire back if they could, not the person they're happy to see the back of.

Consider the logistics.

When you resign from your job, it's essential to consider the logistics. These might be big-picture things, such as tying up end-of-financial-year needs, or small picture things, such as how much notice is actually required. Basically, you need to ensure everything is done for your business/team/manager to ensure you minimize impact to the business and your teammates,

Your exit will be much smoother if, for example, you could say to your boss, "I'm giving two months notice (rather than the one month required) as I know the end of the financial year is our busiest time and I don't want to leave you short-handed'. The bottom line here: give more than you expect. I have found most decent businesses and bosses will give you back more than you ever expected. This is something I have tried to do all my career and this was a valuable lesson from my mother who always gave of herself more than she expected in return and she lived a very blessed life as people always looked after her even in her later years where she couldn't give as much as she wanted anymore.

TAKEAWAY

Undertaking a career transition can be a time of uncertainty, disruption with at least some level of confrontation. And if you're leaving a job because you're unhappy, or it's a problematic situation, these feelings can be exacerbated. But by knowing when it's the right time to go, and using strategies to ensure a successful exit, you'll come away having had a positive experience and with your relationships intact, ready to tackle your next role head-on.

I hope these few reflections are helpful for you in your journeys.