The Strategic Resignation

Tell em’ Boy Bye!

There are many reasons to want to leave your job. The question you must ask yourself is if this is the right time? If the answer to that question is yes, the next question is, have you done all you can to set yourself up for success?

Leaving a job is like having a baby, is there ever a “right time?” Only you know the answer. You may want to leave to make more money. Maybe you hate your boss? Maybe you feel like you are wasting your talents on mindless work? Whatever the reason, try and base your decision off logic and not emotion. I remember when I wanted to leave my job because I felt like they didn’t value me, and I felt that I should have gotten a certain position. Now reread my last sentence, I felt. If that word is in your reasoning, reconsider.

Here are some things you want to review/consider before handing in your resignation letter.

1) Take emotion out of it. We make poor decisions when we are in our feelings. Think about all the times you said/did something you didn’t mean because you were salty. This decision is important so think through it and be strategic.

2) Make sure you have at least 3-6 months of income (or more) saved. What if the job you are going to closes down in a month? What if owning your own business is too overwhelming? You want to make sure you have a nest egg/cushion to ensure your financial obligations are covered.

3) Make sure you are leaving your current job and heading to another job or your own business. DO NOT QUIT YOUR JOB WITHOUT HAVING SOMETHING ELSE LINED UP! Why would you set yourself up for failure like that? Or set yourself up to live off of someone for an unknown period of time. Always set yourself up for success!

4) Consider relocation and commute expenses with your new salary negotiation. Many people leave their job for a $5K raise not factoring in relocation or an extra commute. If you are driving farther for the new job, the money you spend in gas and car maintenance may eat up that $5K salary bump.

5) Consider culture change at your new gig. Is the new culture something that fits your professional style? Is your new job more conservative or more liberated? Do you have to remove your nose ring or die your hair back to black? Cut your beard? Cut off your locs?

6) What benefits/perks are you giving up? Maybe your current company matches more on retirement? Maybe you can come and go as you please? Maybe you have creative freedom? Consider these perks before jumping ship.

Additionally, strategically hand in your resignation to allow yourself minimal struggle during the transition phase.

1) Resign as early in the month as possible. Doing this will ensure you stay on the company’s insurance plan until month end. Allowing you and your family continued coverage while you transition to your new job.

2) Always give at least 2 weeks’ notice. This is not only professional but also gives you a couple more weeks of pay. Even if your job tells you to leave the day you hand in your resignation letter, they are still supposed to honor your notice with 2 weeks of pay.

3) Save up as much vacation time as possible. IF your company pays out vacation this will be some extra money in your pockets when it’s time to resign.

Want more tips on how to resign to set yourself up for success? Have a testimony? Let me know in the comment section!

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