by Kaitlyn Ranze
Pull out the popcorn. 🍿TikTok’s latest trend has people going viral out of nowhere for posting how they quit their jobs. Some of the most popular ones? They gave no notice. But before you get swept up in another social media trend, quitting your job is not something to be taken lightly. There are many things to consider when making your final decision.
Before you hand in your notice, there are a few things you should do to ensure you’re ready to leave your job.
Here’s what to do before you quit:
Think about why you’re unhappy with your current situation. Is it your boss? Your co-workers? The work itself? Once you’ve pinpointed the source of your dissatisfaction, you can start considering whether quitting is the best solution.
If you’re simply fed up with your job, it may be time to move on. But quitting may not be the best option if you’re facing discrimination or harassment. In these cases, you should consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and determine the best course of action.
Consider talking to your boss if it’s situational unhappiness. Though this may seem like a daunting task, it’s important to have an honest conversation with your boss about your unhappiness at work. They may be able to help you fix the problem or give you a better idea of what your next career move should be.
No matter what your reasons for wanting to quit, it’s necessary to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Quitting your job should be a decision that you plan and consider carefully. That also includes planning financially.
Before you hand in your notice, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a smooth transition. While it may be tempting to just up and quit your job without any preparation, it’s unlikely to be a wise financial decision. By preparing beforehand, you can ensure that you’re in a suitable position to weather any financial challenges that come your way after you’ve left your job.
6 things to do financially before you quit your job:
1. Give yourself a financial cushion
Quitting your job means giving up a steady paycheck, so make sure you have enough money saved up to cover living expenses for at least a few months. This safety net will give you time to find another job without worrying about making ends meet.
2. Create a budget
Once you’ve quit your job, you’ll need to be extra careful with your spending. Sit down and create a budget outlining your essential and non-essential, or “fun,” expenses.
3. Check your benefits
Check to see if any medical or dental benefits are still active after you quit. You may need to continue paying premiums to keep them in force. If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, you’ll need to find another way to get coverage once you leave your job. Make sure you understand your options and compare costs before making any decisions.
4. Review your debt situation
Now is an excellent time to take a close look at your debts and create a plan to pay them off. Consider consolidating high-interest debt or transferring the balance to a lower-interest credit card.
5. Invest in yourself
Use some of your extra cash flow to invest in yourself. This could mean taking a class to grow professionally, starting a side hustle, or investing in new business ventures.
6. Know your rights
Every state has different laws when it comes to quitting your job. For example, some states require employees to give a certain amount of notice before quitting, while others don’t have any such laws. Be sure to do your research to know your rights and what you’re entitled to before you quit.
7 things to do professionally before you quit your job
It’s official – you’re fed up with your job. You’re tired of the commute, the politics, the boring work; whatever it is, you’ve had enough. So what’s next? While it may be tempting to just up and quit without any plan, that’s not always the best idea. Here are a few things you should do before you quit your job:
1. Give notice
This may seem obvious, but giving your employer advance notice that you’re quitting is more than a kind gesture. Two weeks is standard, but if you have a good relationship with your boss, you may want to give more notice. This gives them time to find a replacement and gives you a chance to tie up loose ends at work.
When you’re ready to move on from your current job, there are a few things to keep in mind as you give notice.
DO:
- Thank your employer for the opportunity to work there.
- Be respectful and professional in your delivery.
- Offer to help with the transition in any way you can.
- Reiterate your commitment to the company until your last day.
DON’T:
- Burn any bridges. You never know when you’ll need a reference from a former boss.
- Badmouth the company, your co-workers, or your boss.
- Give too much notice. Two weeks is standard, but you can give more or less depending on your company’s policy.
By following these tips, you can give notice in a way that is respectful and professional. This will help you maintain good relationships with your former employer and co-workers, which can be valuable in the future.
2. Train your replacement
This might feel awkward, but the transition will be smoother for everyone involved.
Here are a few tips on how to train your successor:
- Start with the basics. Make sure they understand the responsibilities of the role they will be taking on.
- Give them opportunities to shadow you. Let them see how you do things and give them a chance to ask questions.
- Allow them to make mistakes. It is inevitable that they will make some mistakes along the way. Allow them to make these mistakes so they can learn from them.
- Be patient. It will take time for them to learn everything they need to know. Be patient and allow them the time they need to learn.
- Offer feedback. Provide feedback along the way so they can continue to improve.
3. Clean out your office
This is just common courtesy. Don’t leave your successor with a mess to clean up.
4. Say goodbye to your co-workers
Say goodbye to your co-workers before you leave. You may not have seen them much lately, but they’re still people you’ve worked with closely in the past. They’re also people whose connections you may need in the future.
Say your goodbyes in person. A handwritten note or email is a nice gesture, but nothing beats a personal farewell.
5. Get all your paperwork in order
Make sure you have all your essential documents in order before you leave. This includes your health insurance, 401k, and other benefits you may be entitled to.
6. Network, network, network.
Networking is a great way to connect with people in your industry who can help you further your career. It can also be a great way to find a new job if you’re considering quitting your current one. Here are four reasons why you should start networking before you quit your job:
You’ll meet more people.
Networking allows you to meet more people in your industry. Valuably, this enables you to create relationships and learn from others. Additionally, meeting more people gives you a better chance of finding a job that’s a good fit for you.
You’ll learn about different companies.
When you network, you’ll hear about different companies that may be a good fit for you. Valuably, this allows you to learn about companies you may not have previously considered. Additionally, you may find job openings at these companies that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
Advice from people in your industry.
Through networking, you’ll have the opportunity to get advice from people who are already successful in your industry. You can learn from their experiences and avoid making similar mistakes, helping you make better decisions about your career.
Increased confidence
Networking helps build your confidence through practice; repeatedly discussing your career goals and accomplishments can help you feel more prepared when meeting with potential employers. Furthermore, building your confidence can help you feel better about yourself and your career choices.
7. Make sure you have a new job lined up
This is likely the most important tip on this list. Quitting your job without another one lined up is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you have a solid plan before making any decisions.
These simple tips will help you quit your job on good terms and set yourself up for success in your new venture. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planning your escape!
Related Reads:
The Importance of Networking During a Recession
10 Ways to Start Over in a Career You’ll Love
What to Do if You’ve Been Laid Off
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