We have all had the experience of needing to leave a job. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a high-paying position in a white-collar company or flipping burgers at an all-night takeaway, everyone knows when it’s time to go. However, it’s never quite as simple as just going up to your boss and telling them that you quit. It is vitally important that you have taken the proper steps to making sure that you are not only covered when it comes to leaving your previous position, but that you are in the best position possible when it comes to finding your next role.
Make Sure You Leave On Good Terms
We get it, it isn’t always easy to say goodbye to your job without making any waves for anyone, but there’s a big difference between being leaving as courteously as possible and storming out and slamming the door behind you. There are many reasons why you need to make sure that you do right by your employers when you leave, and many of them relate to your next step. Remember: you are going to need at least one reference for your next job, and it’s always better to leave knowing that your previous boss will be happy to paint you in the best possible light. So, give them plenty of warning before you leave, make sure you can work your notice period, and remember to thank them for the opportunity.
Think Carefully About Where You’re Going Next
When you’re desperate to leave your job, it’s not always easy to think too hard about what the next one might be. It’s hard to blue sky ideas for your next step on the career ladder when everything in your brain is just telling you to get out. However, any time and effort that you put into planning before you hit the job market pays off double. Think about talking to an advisor about what your strengths are and where you would ideally like to be. At refreshingacareer.com, you can find opportunities and information on everything from retraining to ideas for roles that fit around your pre-existing commitments.
Know What You’re Stepping Into
As we’ve said, sometimes it can be hard to think about anything beyond “I just need to get out” when you’re leaving a job but it’s always worth taking a step back and thinking about the reality of what the next few weeks and months will look like once you leave your current position. Think about how big a financial cushion you have that can sustain you should you find that you can’t actually start the next job for a couple of months. If you’re looking to work in a specific sector, it will be worth looking into how competitive the market currently is and talking to any friends or family you have in that area for any pointers and advice. The UK job market is extremely tough right now, but positions are out there and you owe it to yourself to be as prepared as possible.
