8 Steps To Take Before You Quit Your Job

Deciding to leave a job is a significant career move that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether you’re chasing a better opportunity, seeking a healthier work-life balance, or simply feeling unfulfilled, quitting your job requires planning and foresight.

Taking the right steps beforehand can help you transition smoothly and set yourself up for long-term success. This is what you should do before handing in your resignation.

1. Reflect On Your Reasons

Before making any decisions, it’s essential to understand why you want to quit. Are you unhappy with your role, the company culture, your manager, or your career path in general? Pinpointing the root cause can help you determine whether quitting is the best solution or if there might be ways to improve your current situation without leaving.

2. Assess Your Financial Readiness

Unless you already have another job lined up, make sure you have a financial cushion to support yourself during the transition. Ideally, you should have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved. Quitting without financial preparation can lead to unnecessary stress and limit your options.

3. Explore The Job Market

Before taking the leap, research your industry to understand the current job market. Are there plenty of opportunities in your field? What qualifications are employers looking for? This will help you set realistic expectations and guide your job search. Working with a professional recruitment agency can be invaluable at this stage. For example, https://headwayrecruitment.co.uk offers expert guidance and connects candidates with top employers, particularly in the Leeds area.

4. Update Your CV And LinkedIn Profile

Make sure your CV is polished and up to date, highlighting recent accomplishments and relevant skills. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect the same professionalism and attention to detail. Employers and recruiters often search online before reaching out to candidates, so your digital presence should work in your favour.

5. Network Strategically

Start connecting with peers, former colleagues, industry professionals, and recruiters. Attend networking events or take part in online forums related to your field. The more you engage, the more opportunities you’ll uncover — and the easier it will be to secure your next role.

6. Line Up References

Reach out to people who can speak positively about your work and professionalism. Let them know you’re planning a move and ask for permission to list them as references. This proactive approach will save you time during the application process.

7. Plan Your Resignation Thoughtfully

Once you’ve made the decision to quit, draft a professional resignation letter. Provide your employer with adequate notice (usually two to four weeks) and be respectful during the process. Avoid burning bridges — you never know when you might need a recommendation or cross paths with former colleagues in the future.

8. Tie Up Loose Ends

Use your remaining time to document your processes, wrap up projects, and train colleagues if necessary. Leaving on a positive note shows maturity and respect, and it will help maintain your reputation in the industry.

Wrapping Up

Leaving a job is a major step, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a catalyst for growth and better opportunities. Make sure to take these essential steps before you move on — your future self will thank you.

Do you have any tips on how to handle a resignation? Did you bow out gracefully or blow your top? Let us know in the comments below!