Once you've decided it's time for to quit your job, there's a lot to consider. This Instructable contains tips and suggestions for making the smoothest resignation transition from your current full time job possible, both personally and professionally. Don't burn bridges or jeopardize your financial security! With a little thoughtfulness and perseverance, you can preserve career-strengthening relationships as well as your own sanity, even if you have no idea what you want to do with your life after you quit.

To keep up with what I'm working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

Step 1: Prepare

Save up three month’s worth of expenses - Know how much money you need to get by just in case you can't find work for a while. I use mint.com to stick to a budget and identify extraneous spending. For me, the main areas for improvement were unused subscriptions and reminding myself to cook more at home vs. ordering delivery or eating out. New York is a delicious city.

Update your resume and website - If you're in a creative field, create a video reel or portfolio of your work to show off your accomplishments and abilities. If it's been a while since your last job change, make sure to get feedback on your resume from trusted friends before sending it out to any potential employers.

Decouple your digital life - This is important if you use a computer that belongs to your employer, or any other equipment that might have your personal data on it. You have to prepare for the possibility that you might be locked out of such equipment/accounts immediately upon tendering your resignation; some companies take a very conservative IT security approach. Back up important email and portfolio materials and remove your personal data and logins from your work computer:

password managers/saved passwords
browser cookies/browsing history/extensions
app logins like Skype, Spotify, etc.

Don't make any other drastic life changes - Plan to stabilize the rest of your life for the foreseeable future. This includes your living situation and personal relationships. You want to protect your mental resources so you can make decisions with clarity and keep your sanity throughout.

Square away your healthcare - If you're in the US, plan for a health coverage hiccup. Get those doctor’s visits out of the way and update/fill any prescriptions you may need. Research independent insurance and get ready to compare it with the cost of using COBRA to extend your current coverage, which will be revealed to you as part of your exit procedures.

Talk to your family & friends - It's important to have trusted supporters during this turbulent time. However, take their advice with a grain of salt, especially if they're not in your field. For more career, specific guidance...

Seek advice from trusted mentors - Explaining your career goals and thoughts during this time can help you get some perspective on your transition, and even lead to opportunities down the road. Take notes during these important conversations for later reflection.

Line up some stable part time work - What does the freelance version of your job look like? Seek out paying projects and small part time jobs for your transition period. This will take some of the stress out of your finances and help keep you motivated. Make sure any work you do does not conflict with your current employment agreement.

Write your resignation letter - Keep it professional and include the following elements:

intention to resign
when your last day will be (give at least 2 weeks notice)
intention to help with transition duties
expression of gratitude

Don't feel as though you have to explain your reason for quitting in your resignation letter. Attached is a sample resignation letter template you can use to flesh out your own.

sample-resignation-letter.txt
Download

Step 2: Self Care

Don’t talk trash - Projecting negativity will only reflect negatively on you. Don't gossip or complain around your coworkers or colleagues in your field. If you need to express any negative feelings, do so with a loved one, and then thank that loved one with a favor or gift.

Pamper yourself - Change is hard. Hopefully you are leaving your current job to have an overall positive change in your life, so why not kick off that positive change with a massage, pedicure, facial, or even a hot bath? Feeling like your best self will help you comport yourself well throughout your transition.

Engage in positive social activity - Regularly surround yourself with people who make you happy and intellectually stimulated. Take a continuing education class, join a gym or hackerspace, etc. They'll help keep your mood normal by taking your mind off your stress.

Celebrate cathartic release - Plan two big indulgences, such as an extravagant meal or hot air balloon ride: one for after tendering your resignation, and one for after your last day.

Take a vacation or staycation - If you can, take some time off after your last day. Sleep in and chill out, but try to still get plenty of exercise and eat healthy food.

Step 3: Persevere

So you're ready to pull the plug, congrats!

Resign in person - Give plenty of notice, and have a paper and email copy of your resignation letter ready for following up right after the meeting. You don't have to explain your reasons for leaving if you don't want to. Consider beforehand how your boss might react to your resignation, and be prepared with some neutralizing language that expresses your intentions to leave as smoothly as possible.

Don’t let your work performance suffer - You will be remembered for how you behave during this time. Make sure you're performing your work duties as well as (if not better than) you normally do. A bad reputation can follow you around in your career, especially if you're in a small field.

Publish your resume - Make a social media announcement and send your resume to potential employers. Publish your reel or updated portfolio, and spread the word that you're looking for work.

Set aside time to take a calls and emails - If you do plan a vacation, make sure you're available by email and phone for potential new employers

Stay positive - Reach out to important colleagues and express your appreciation for having worked with them, and exchange personal contact info if you want to stay in touch. Even if you are not feeling great during your notice period, put on a smile and stay positive during remaining days, politely entertaining all wrap up duties that are requested of you. If you do explain your reasons for leaving, stay consistent

The exit interview - Now's not the time to air your gripes with the company, but rather to leave a positive lasting impression and honest assessment of your time there.

Field new job offers - Weigh options for new jobs, but always sleep on any offer before accepting.

Or do something else - Maybe you want to start a freelance career or small business, or sell all your stuff and travel the world. Regardless of your path after resignation, I hope this Instructable offered you some helpful tips for your own job transition.