Exit Strategy: 5 Steps To Quit Your Job The Right Way
So, you've been in a position for a few years and you've come to the realization that it's just not where you want to be. Or you've been killing it, bringing in top numbers, getting good reviews but still haven't been promoted. Maybe you've been in an industry that's just not a good fit and you want to finally pursue your passion.
Sis, you don't want to overstay your time at a job you hate, or worse, end up becoming miserable, disengaged or a candidate for termination. And you definitely don't want to quit without a plan. Start with these five steps to gracefully exit and successfully transition into your next career opportunity:
How To Quit Your Job The Right Way: 5 Steps
1.Set An Exit Date
When you set a date, it adds accountability and gives you something to look forward to. Be realistic and consider factors like your current financial status, the type of industry you're in, the current climate at your office, and how much more you can take. Also, the joy of knowing that you plan to make a move will give you that confidence boost you need when something happens at work that reminds you why you're leaving in the first place.
2.Set Actionable Goals
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Create actionable daily and weekly goals that will help you get to the job or company you want. Whether it's enrolling in courses for certificates, seeking out knowledge that will make you more marketable, or committing to sending at least 10 resumes a week, be sure you're actively working toward your goal daily or weekly. Keep track of your efforts via journal or log them electronically in a Google calendar. Set alerts and reminders, and include an accountability partner such as a career coach, mentor or trusted friend.
3.Keep Showing Up
Remember your why and continue doing excellent work at your current job. Knowing the purpose of your efforts and focusing on excellence will ensure you leave your current job in good standing. The current job is paying your bills and you should think of it as a blessing. When at work, remain professional and continue to take advantage of opportunities to expand your knowledge and soft skills. Great recommendations or reputation will only help you in the long run.
4.Network, Network, Network
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Attend networking events and join organizations related to the industry you want to transition into. Not only will this boost your spirits and present opportunities to socialize with like-minded professionals, but you might also come across the job opening of your dreams. Commit to attending at least two networking events a month. Also, create your own personal business cards and carry resumes if the event is focused on new openings.
5.Stack Your Coins
Stack your money and save it in an exit fund. You may find that you simply want to resign, relocate, or take some time off to truly examine what you love. While working, set aside funds via an online bank or savings account that you won't be tempted to tap into. Keep track of your retirement account and the company contributions in case you need to one day tap into your 401K. You can also consult with a financial adviser or a professional at your bank to set a savings goal for the day you are ready to make your move. Having a lump sum to fall back on is yet another confidence boost for the days you loathe going to work every day.
Take charge of your career by being the master of it. Creating an exit strategy will make things that much easier for you when you're ready to say goodbye to your current gig.
Featured image by Shutterstock.
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage