You know you need to change something up in your life, but it can seem scary and full of uncertainty – especially these days! Moving from an acceptable situation that works, even if it isn’t all that exciting, to something unknown is scary and can be very unsettling. While it can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure exactly what change you want to make, a few key steps can set you up to handle the transition successfully.
Make a plan
As frustrated as you may be with your current situation, you don’t want to make any rash decisions. Quitting your job and rebuilding your resume with a now-expired job is not the best way to move into a new role. Not only have you potentially lost a number of useful contacts from quitting unexpectedly, it pits you against the clock and sets you up for falling into another uninteresting position to make ends meet. Instead, devise a plan that helps move you into your next position by utilizing the network you have built in your current position or industry. Be realistic in your plan, which is probably somewhere between the best and worst case scenarios you’re imagining. Include in this plan some time for reflection on things like your goals for the transition and why you want to make this transition. In addition, think about how you plan on getting to the next opportunity, what you can do in the short term, and what contingencies you could expect that may throw your plans out of whack. When you’ve visualized a realistic plan and timeline, it starts to feel more manageable.
Prepare your network to support you
There is nothing wrong with discretely searching for opportunities to help you better understand what it is about your current role that is unfulfilling. Having some key relationships in order will make your transition much easier, both practically and emotionally. It is important to build communication with your superiors and coworkers so that you have a productive and healthy relationship before attempting to navigate a departure. It is much better to be exiting a role in a place of trust and understanding with your coworkers than to be suddenly jumping ship. If they are managing you or will have to take on part of your workload, they will need to be in the know, just as you would hope to be. These people should be your best references moving forward, so it behooves you to ensure that the relationships are healthy.
In addition to practical support from your coworkers and boss, you’re likely going to need to lean on people in your personal life as well. Talk to friends and family members who will be understanding, and explain to them that you are thinking about taking on a transition. If they know what you’re going through, they are likely to be there with a helping hand, whether that’s cheering you up after a setback or introducing you to someone who might have an open role.
Take the leap
When it is time for you to make the transition you have been planning, be sure to execute it effectively. Be clear about when you will not be completing duties pertaining to particular roles anymore, when your last day will be, etc. as your coworkers don’t want to be blindsided by the work you are no longer doing. If you’re moving to a new role right away, make sure that you have a plan in place to stay in touch with coworkers from your current role. It will be easy to get caught up in a new company and lose touch with people who were valuable friends and colleagues. Writing down a concrete plan will help you stick to it. If you’re planning to take a break between jobs, know how you will structure your time once you’re not working. Are you planning a trip, planning to do work around the house, or jumping into a full-time job search? All are great options, and it helps to set reasonable expectations for yourself about what your life will look like during the transition period.
In order to be prepared for a change, it is important to take proactive steps to manage it before the time comes to act on it. Ensure that you have a well-thought-out plan, and prepare your network in advance to control any collateral effects of your change. When it is time to execute on your plan, do so with thoughtful intentionality whilst maintaining the relationships you made in your previous role.
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