It’s not always easy to decide to leave your current job. You may feel comfortable in your current role, or you may leave co-workers you like behind. However, leaving a toxic work environment or moving a better-paying job is always a good thing. In an online forum, people discussed ways to leave your job without any regrets. Here are ten of their most effective ways to do it.
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1. Lean on Friends and Family
Dealing with regret about a major life decision is one of many times you should lean on friends and family for advice and help. It’s critical to recognize that although you made a significant change in your life, you’re not alone.
In many cases, your loved ones can share similar experiences, making your transition infinitely more manageable.
2. Stay on Schedule
Setting a schedule and “locking in” your last date with your old company will ease your transition and lessen potential regret. “Set a date for yourself: One month, two months, six months from now, whatever you feel,” advises one woman. “Do not stress about your decision until then. Work the new gig with the best attitude you can. When your deadline date arrives, reassess and see if you still feel the regret or if you now like the change.”
3. Don’t Look Back
Many believe the best way to move forward after transitioning out of a job is to never look back. Keeping perspective is vital in situations like these — after all, the less you think about your past, the more you’ll be able to handle the future confidently.
Regrets form when overthinking occurs, so don’t overanalyze your decision to leave!
4. Think Big Picture
Keeping your major life decision in the proper perspective is essential. “Putting yourself in new situations like this is how you grow as a person,” reveals one expert. “Never forget that it will be a good thing for you.” Remember, everything happens for a reason, and convincing yourself that you’re making the right decision (even if that doesn’t feel true) will benefit your mental health and prevent regret.
5. Make a Pros and Cons List
There’s nothing wrong with making an old-fashioned pros and cons list to weigh your decision. Many people reveal that putting their reasons for leaving a job (and seeking out new employment) was a very calming experience.
Think of it as a form of free therapy that can go a long way toward giving you the peace of mind you require.
6. Give It Time
Like all things, time can heal any and all trepidation a person has. With the benefit of days, weeks, and months passing, you’ll eventually realize your regrets faded.
“Give it a little time; change is always a difficult adjustment. In a few weeks or months, you’ll most likely feel much more settled,” reveals one man.
7. Be Professional
Unless you’re in a horribly toxic environment in your current job, you want to leave on good terms. You never know when you might need a good reference or maybe even return to the company.
Don’t burn any bridges. Leave on good terms, and be professional. Not only does it look better, it will make you feel better too.
8. Think of Everything That You’ll Love
If you find yourself questioning why you left your job for something new, it may be time to think about all the benefits your new occupation will bring! “Your regret is mixed with nervousness about a new job and a new routine,” explains one woman. “Find whatever joys you can in it. Maybe the commute helps you listen to stories or music you enjoy; listening in the car hits very differently for me. Some of my best ‘thinking’ time is in the car, to the point that I’ll record myself talking and refer back later.”
9. It Could Be Worse
Even though you’re embarking on a new phase of your life, count your blessings. After all, it could be worse. Stressing about quitting and starting a new job is a wholly first-world problem.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s often best to realize that things could be much worse if you didn’t have the privilege of living when and where you are.
10. Don’t Forget Why You Left in the First Place
If all else fails, remind yourself why you felt compelled to leave your previous job in the first place! “Remember why you left the last job,” advises one expert. “It’s only been a few days, and starting a new chapter will always be unfamiliar and make you contemplate what you left behind.” Words to live by!
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This thread inspired this post.
I’m John Schmoll, a former stockbroker, MBA-grad, published finance writer, and founder of Frugal Rules.
As a veteran of the financial services industry, I’ve worked as a mutual fund administrator, banker, and stockbroker and was Series 7 and 63-licensed, but I left all that behind in 2012 to help people learn how to manage their money.
My goal is to help you gain the knowledge you need to become financially independent with personally-tested financial tools and money-saving solutions.
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