20 Essential Steps to Take Before Quitting Your Job

Leaving Your Job? Follow These Steps to Make a Smooth Exit

Before presenting your resignation to your manager or immediate boss, ensure that you are prepared to leave. It’s important to make a thoughtful decision because once you’ve decided, there’s no turning back. Read on to know the things you need to do before quitting your job.

As a general rule, when you hand over your resignation, you’re done. Some companies may expect you to give two weeks’ notice, while others may want you out the door by the end of the day or even immediately. If it’s immediate, you may be asked to pack up your things and be escorted to the door.

You don’t want to give any indication that you’re leaving, such as taking your photos or decorations off your desk. However, you can discreetly clean up your computer and prepare to leave if your manager or immediate boss says, “You’re gone” when you hand them your resignation letter.

Read below for more information on what steps to take before leaving. By following these steps, you won’t only be prepared to leave, but you will hopefully avoid burning bridges with the company you are leaving. You may need a recommendation, or you may end up working with the company in the future. Do everything you can to leave on a good note.

Make Sure You’re Covered

Before making the decision to quit or leave the workplace, make sure you have another job or another source of income lined up. If you don’t have another job arranged, ensure you have enough savings to live comfortably for at least six months.

Also, check on health insurance coverage if you don’t have another job lined up yet. You may be able to continue coverage through COBRA, but make sure before you leave. The government’s Health Insurance Marketplace is another option. Here is more information on the difference between COBRA and the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

Clean Up Your Office Desktop

It’s not uncommon for employers to discover that a former employee was running a private business from their work computer after they left. The company was not happy, and the former employee may not get a good reference from them if they need one in the future. You never know when you may need a referral, so it’s important to ensure that your information isn’t left behind when you leave your job.

Here is a list of various things on your computer that you need to take care of before leaving:

Official Desktop Documents –

If you have personal documents, email a copy of each to your personal email address or save them online. Then, delete the files from your office computer. It’s always a good idea to make it easy for your replacement to use the desktop.

Email –

The same thing goes for personal email messages that you want to save. Forward them to a personal email address and then delete them. If you have online accounts where you used your employer’s email address for the login, change the details to your email address. Also, make sure you have the email addresses and phone numbers of people you want to stay in touch with.

After you leave, send a farewell letter to colleagues and share your email address and phone number. However, don’t send a farewell letter or tell colleagues that you are leaving before you leave. If word gets to your manager that you are leaving through the grapevine, he or she won’t be pleased.

20 Essential Steps to Take Before Quitting Your Job

20 Important Tips to Learn before you make a smooth exit from Your Current Job:

Before resigning from your job, make sure you’re prepared to leave. It’s important to make a thoughtful decision because once you quit, there’s no going back. Here are some things you should do before handing in your resignation letter:

Deciding to quit your job can be a tough decision, and it’s important to make sure you’re prepared before you take the leap. Here is a comprehensive checklist of things to consider and do before quitting your job:

Consider your reasons for leaving: Take the time to think about why you want to quit your job. Is it because of your boss, coworkers, or workload? Are you unhappy with the company culture or lack of opportunities for growth? Knowing your reasons will help you determine if leaving is the right decision.
Have a plan in place: Before you quit, make sure you have a plan for what you will do next. This could mean having a job offer already lined up, starting your own business, or taking time off to travel or explore new opportunities.
Have financial stability: It’s important to have some financial stability before quitting your job, as it may take time to find a new job or start a new venture. Make sure you have some savings set aside to cover your living expenses for a few months.
Give adequate notice: Once you have made the decision to quit, make sure to give your employer adequate notice. This will show your professionalism and help ensure a smooth transition for your team.
Tie up loose ends: Before you leave, make sure to tie up any loose ends and complete any outstanding projects or tasks. This will help ensure a smooth transition for your team and show your commitment to your job until the very end.
Stay positive: Even if you are leaving on bad terms, it’s important to stay positive and maintain a professional demeanor. You never know when you may need a reference or connection from your former employer in the future.
Don’t burn bridges: Avoid burning bridges with your employer or coworkers, as this could come back to haunt you in the future. Instead, try to maintain positive relationships and leave on good terms.
Take care of logistics: Make sure to take care of any logistical issues, such as returning company equipment or closing out your email account, before you leave.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: As you start looking for new opportunities, make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up to date and showcase your skills and experience.
Reflect and learn: Take some time to reflect on your experience at your job and what you learned. This will help you grow and prepare for your next opportunity.
Have a conversation with your manager: Before you make the final decision to quit, it may be helpful to have a conversation with your manager to discuss any concerns or issues you may have. They may be able to address your concerns or offer solutions that could make you reconsider leaving.
Research your options: If you’re leaving because you’re unhappy with your current job, research other job opportunities within your field or industry. This will give you a better idea of what’s out there and help you make an informed decision.
Network: Networking is important when looking for a new job or starting a business. Connect with people in your industry, attend networking events, and join professional organizations to expand your network and learn about new opportunities.
Consider the impact on your personal life: Quitting your job may have an impact on your personal life, such as your finances or relationships. Make sure to consider these factors before making the decision to leave.
Consider the timing: Consider the timing of your departure, both for yourself and your employer. Leaving during a busy period or without adequate notice could negatively impact your team and employer.
Have a backup plan: Even if you have a plan in place, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don’t go as expected.
Take care of your mental health: Leaving a job can be stressful and emotional. Take care of your mental health by practicing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, or seeking professional help if needed.
Negotiate your exit: If you’re leaving on good terms, consider negotiating your exit packages, such as additional compensation, extended benefits, or a positive reference.
Have a clear vision for your future: Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve in your career and how leaving your current job will help you achieve those goals.
Follow your intuition: Ultimately, trust your instincts and make the decision that is best for you and your career.