Never feel guilty about quitting your job again
At some point or another, we've all been there. We've all had a job that we liked and couldn't quit. But as much as we wanted to quit, we just couldn't bring ourselves to do it. We kept making excuses, telling ourselves that we would find something else soon, or that things would get better. But they never did. If you're in that situation right now, this blog post is for you. Here's how to quit your job without feeling guilty.
1. Make a list of your accomplishments at the job
While you might be excited to start a new chapter, you might also feeling a little bit nostalgic about the old one. Why not take a look at the highlights, and compile a list of all your accomplishments at the job you are planning on leaving behind.
Whether you're quitting because you've found a new opportunity or because you've had enough of this one, be sure to take some time to reflect on your accomplishments before you go. That way, you can leave with your head held high and maybe even a sense of humor intact.
2. Keep Your Bridges Un-Burned
You still have to see your old coworkers every day until your last day of work. If you're not careful, you could easily find yourself burning bridges and doing serious damage to your professional reputation. But don't worry, we're here to help. With a little bit of forethought and planning, you can make a clean break without making any enemies.
Give Two Weeks Notice
This is the standard for quitting any job, so make sure to do it. Your old boss will appreciate the notice, and it will give you time to tie up any loose ends before you leave. Plus, if you ever need a reference from this job in the future, giving two weeks notice shows that you're a responsible and professional employee.
Be Careful What You Say
It can be tempting to vent about all of the things that you didn't like about your old job, but resist the urge. You never know when you might need a favor from one of your old coworkers, and it's not worth burning that bridge just to get a few things off your chest. If you absolutely must say something, keep it positive or neutral. For example, "I'm excited for the new opportunities at my new company."
Keep in Touch
Just because you're no longer working together doesn't mean you have to lose touch with your old coworkers. A quick email or text now and then can go a long way towards maintaining those relationships. You never know when one of them might come in handy down the road.
They can provide valuable references. When you're applying for jobs, references can make or break your chances of getting hired. So it's always good to have a few solid references in your back pocket—and your old coworkers can certainly provide those for you. Just make sure you stay on their good side so they'll actually want to put their name on your list of references!
They can introduce you to new people. In any given field, there are only so many jobs to go around. That means that if you want to advance in your career, you're going to have to network. And what better way to network than through your old coworkers? By keeping in touch with them, they can introduce you to people who might be able to help further your career.
You never know when you'll need their help. Let's say you're job hunting and you come across a position that would be perfect for you—except for one catch. The hiring manager wants someone with experience in a certain software program that you've never used before. But wait! One of your old coworkers just so happens to be an expert in that very same software program. If you keep in touch with her, she might be willing to help you out by giving you a crash course in the program.
Leaving a job can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, you're finally moving on to something better; on the other hand, you have to face your old coworkers every day until your last day of work. But don't worry, with a little bit of planning and forethought, you can make a clean break without burning any bridges. Best of luck in your new endeavor!
3. Remind yourself that you're not irreplaceable and that it's okay to move on
We know, we know—being replaceable doesn't sound like a good thing. But hear us out. Because you're not irreplaceable, it means that there are other people out there who could do your job just as well as (or even better than) you can. And that's actually a good thing! It means that your employer will have no problem finding someone to take your place if you do decide to leave—and that they won't be left high and dry if you do.
It's okay to move on. We often stay in jobs we hate because we're afraid of change or failure. But sometimes, moving on is the best thing we can do for ourselves. If you're not happy with your current situation, don't be afraid to pursue other opportunities. Life is too short to stay stuck in a job that makes us miserable.
Remind yourself why you're doing this. When the going gets tough, it's important to remember why we're putting ourselves through all this stress in the first place. Whether it's for financial stability, professional development, or simply a chance to start fresh, reminding ourselves of our goals can help us push through when we just want to give up.
Next time you find yourself wanting to quit your job, remember these three things: You're not irreplaceable; it's okay to move on; and remind yourself why you're doing this in the first place. Life is too short to stay stuck in a job that makes us miserable, so don't be afraid to pursue other opportunities when they come knocking.
4. Give yourself time to adjust after leaving the job, but don't dwell on the past
You've handed in your notice, you've cleared out your desk, and you're officially a free agent. Congratulations! Now what? If you're like most people, you might be feeling a mixture of relief, excitement, and maybe even a little bit of anxiety. After all, leaving a job is a big deal.
Don't beat yourself up—give yourself time to adjust. It's normal to feel a little lost after quitting your job. After all, for years you've been getting up and going to the same place day after day. But now that's over, and it can take some time to get used to the change. So cut yourself some slack and don't try to do too much too soon. Just take things one day at a time and relax as much as you can.
It's easy to dwell on what could have been done differently, but it won't do you any good. The only thing that matters now is the present and the future. So focus on what you can do now to make things better. Use your time wisely and invest in yourself. Learn new skills, work on your weaknesses, and build up your knowledge so that you can be even better prepared for your next opportunity.
Quitting your job can be a daunting experience, but it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Just remember to give yourself time to adjust, use this opportunity to figure out what you want to do next, and stay positive throughout the whole process.
5. Stay positive and focus on what's next for you
It's perfectly normal to feel sad, scared, or angry after quitting a job. After all, it's a big change! Acknowledging your feelings is the first step to moving on. Once you've accepted that this is how you feel, it will be easier to start focusing on the future.
If you know someone who has gone through a similar experience, talking to them can be very helpful. They can offer advice and support as you move on to the next phase of your life.
Remember that this is just one chapter in your life story. There will be ups and downs, but ultimately, things will work out the way they're supposed to.
What do you want to achieve in your career? What kind of life do you want to live? Focusing on your goals will help you stay motivated and excited for what's ahead.
You are not your job—it's just one small part of who you are. Don't let quitting a job define you or determine your worth as a person.
Even though quitting a job can be tough, it's important to remember that there is always something better out there for you. By acknowledging your feelings, making a plan, staying busy, talking to someone who has been there before, keeping perspective, and focusing on your goals, you can stay positive and focus on what's next after you quit a job!
Conclusion
Quitting your job can be a daunting task, especially if you've been in the same position for a long time. But it doesn't have to be as scary as it seems! By following these three simple steps, you can quit your job without feeling guilty—and finally start fresh in a new position that's right for you.