Published July 5, 2016 • 3 Min Read
That’s right. You’ve decided to leave your job and find a new one. Let’s keep this positive. Leaving one job, although it has its challenges, for another can lead to a more fulfilling, better paying and overall less stressful life for you.
Some people are looking for a challenge. Case in point – Jane (not her real name). Jane recently left her seemingly good, secure, well-paying job in government for another position. “I noticed that if I were to expand my career opportunities or to develop new skills for myself, there was no room for me to grow within that organization and so I had to look elsewhere in order to take on a new challenge.”
And so it began. The quest for a new job that offers different/better opportunities, hopefully with a better salary. But Jane didn’t just quit her old job. She prepared. She researched and made sure she lined up something first before leaving her current role.
Stay Professional
Jane respected her boss and the organization she was leaving. She did not want to burn bridges and she did not want to leave anyone in the lurch. So before parting ways, she prepared briefing binders on ongoing projects (even though no one asked for it) and tried to wrap up other projects as close to their natural conclusions as possible. She gave as much detail on projects and what was needed in the immediate, short and long-term for each.
Talk
Jane also met with her boss to present her briefing binders and told him verbally of what was going on and what needed to be done in her absence. She also provided a formal letter of resignation. She recalls the discussion being rather emotional given the amount of time they spent together and how much fun they had working as a team.
Save For This Moment
Jane says she would never leave a job without having one lined up and would always need to make as much or more than her previous job. “I always have an emergency fund and I feed money into it monthly because you never know when your car will break down or you’ll need to leave your job.” Also, new jobs might not be the fit you thought they would be and you need extra money to survive, just in case. The amount needed will vary from person to person but generally, a three month cushion is a good start. The fund needs constant care and should be replenished often.
Personal Satisfaction
This, of course, depends on the person. For Jane, taking on new challenges that “forced” her to learn new topics or businesses was key to her satisfaction. Also, being able to take skills acquired elsewhere and transferring them to a new environment was very rewarding. Still, everyone needs to look at what makes them happy and satisfied and find a job that can meet as many of those needs as possible.
So even though the song says, “breaking up is hard to do,” it doesn’t have to be. A little preparation, a little research and a little self assessment can get you on your way to the next big thing.
Joel Kranc is Director of KRANC COMMUNICATIONS in Toronto, focusing on business communications, content delivery and marketing strategies.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
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