5 Tips for a Healthy Job Departure
By Chris Brown
Like moving on after a long-term relationship, leaving a job (either willingly or unwillingly) can be an immensely positive or negative experience, depending upon the mindset. Large changes are usually scary, but handling a job change with the mindset of becoming a better worker makes all the difference in the long run. There are always lessons to be gleaned from any job shift. Being cognizant of them with five key tips can allow you to harness their wisdom.
Don't Burn Bridges
While a grand exit, complete with a scene and calling out that hated coworker, has been a fantasy of nearly every working person at some point. However, it is smarter to keep connections intact, even those you think may never reappear. You never know which connections might benefit your career at some future point. Also, the momentary excitement from a grand exit could cause long-term anxiety in the aftermath. Instead, regardless of the reason for leaving, offer to create a job training manual or even help train the new hire to aid the transition.
Be Clint Eastwood
On your last day of work, be cool. Think Clint Eastwood moseying out of town in an old western cool. You want ex-coworkers picturing a ride into the sunset, not an exploding ball of emotional release, when they think of your last moments. Leaving a job, even under your own terms, is bound to be full of conflicting emotions. The less you expel them to your coworkers, the better impression they will have and the more smooth confidence you will bring into your next position.
Face Your Limitations and Faults
The healthiest way to move past any life change is to look inward for self-improvement. Swallowing your pride and honestly addressing your limitations is the only way to grow. It may be easier to identify faults if fired. However, if you left your job willingly, it is just as important to reevaluate strengths and weaknesses. Blind overconfidence impacts first impressions and a healthy humility can serve wonders in endearing you with your new coworkers.
Redirect Thoughts Towards the Positive
It is easy to develop negative self-talk following a job loss. However, negative thoughts (especially towards oneself) impact one's ability to move forward and undertake the personal risks required to land a dream position. Instead, whenever you are feeling self-pitying, go through your strengths and past successes in your head. Talking yourself up in the mirror never hurts either.
Focus on the Future
Dwelling on issues the past job or pitying oneself similarly does not facilitate a positive future. Mindset is important when projecting a good worker on future applications and interviews. Focusing on a better future helps you visualize and reach that goal. On the other hand, continually dwelling on a past position, curses you to repeat your mistakes in the next.
Exiting a job is similar to exiting a relationship, in that it opens up possibilities. By acting and thinking positively, the best scenarios can manifest themselves, bringing you into a higher state of career and life.
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