

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.
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'Sistas' Star Skyh Black On The Power Of Hypnotherapy & Emotional Vulnerability For Men
In this insightful episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Sistas star Skyh Black, as he opened up about his journey of emotional growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The episode touches on emotional availability, self-worth, masculinity, and the importance of therapy in overcoming personal struggles.
Skyh Black on Emotional Availability & Love
On Emotional Availability & Vulnerability
“My wife and I wouldn't be where we are today if both of us weren't emotionally available,” he shared about his wife and Sistas co-star KJ Smith, highlighting the value of vulnerability and emotional openness in a relationship. His approach to masculinity stands in contrast to the traditional, stoic ideals. Skyh is not afraid to embrace softness as part of his emotional expression.
On Overcoming Self-Doubt & Worthiness Issues
Skyh reflected on the self-doubt and worthiness issues that he struggled with, especially early in his career. He opens up about his time in Los Angeles, living what he calls the “LA struggle story”—in a one-bedroom with three roommates—and being homeless three times over the span of 16 years. “I always had this self-sabotaging thought process,” Skyh said. “For me, I feel therapy is essential, period. I have a regular therapist and I go to a hypnotherapist.”
How Therapy Helped Him Heal From Self-Doubt
On Hypnotherapy & Empowering Self-Acceptance
Skyh’s journey is a testament to the power of tapping into self-development despite life’s struggles and being open to growth. “I had to submit to the fact that God was doing good in my life, and that I'm worthy of it. I had a worthiness issue and I did not realize that. So, that’s what the hypnotherapy did. It brought me back to the core. What is wrong so that I can fix it?”
Watch the full podcast episode below:
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Quinta Brunson Gets Real About Divorce, Boundaries & Becoming
Quinta Brunson is the woman who chooses herself, even when the world is watching. And in her June 30 cover story for Bustle, she gives us a rare glimpse into the soft, centered place she's navigating her life from now. From leading one of television's most beloved series in the last decade to quietly moving through life shifts, the creator of Abbott Elementary is walking through a personal evolution and doing so with intention, grace, and a firm grip on her boundaries.
Back in March, the 35-year-old filed for divorce from Kevin Jay Anik after nearly three years of marriage, citing "irreconcilable differences." The news hit the headlines of news outlets fast, but Quinta hadn't planned to announce their dissolution to the public so quickly.
Quinta Brunson On Divorce, Public Scrutiny & Sacred Boundaries
"I remember seeing people be like, ‘She announced her divorce,’" she told Bustle. “I didn’t announce anything. I think people have this idea that people in the public eye want the public to know their every move. None of us do. I promise you. No one wants [everyone] to know when you buy a house, when you move, when a major change happens in your personal life. It’s just that that’s public record information."
In regards to her private moves becoming tabloid fodder, Quinta continued, "I hated that. I hate all of it."
"I Am An Artist First": Quinta On Cutting Her Hair & Reclaiming Herself
Still, the diminutive phenom holds her crown high in the face of change and is returning to the essence of who she is, especially as an artist. "Cutting my hair reminded me that I am an artist first. I want to feel things. I want to make choices. I want to be a person, and not just stuck in having to be a certain way for business." It's giving sacred rebirth. It's giving self-liberation. It's especially giving main character energy.
And while the headlines keep spinning their narratives, the one that Quinta is focused on is her own. For her, slowing down and nourishing herself in ways that feed her is what matters. "It’s a transitional time. I think it’s true for me and my personal life, and it’s how I feel about myself, my career, and the world," Quinta shared with Bustle. “I feel very serious about focusing on watering my own gardens, taking care of myself and the people around me who I actually interact with day-to-day."
That includes indulging in simple rituals that ground her like "making myself a meal" which has become "really, really important to me."
That spirit of agency doesn't stop at the personal. In her professional world, as the creator, executive producer, and lead actress of the critically-acclaimed Abbott Elementary, Quinta understands the weight her choices carry, both on- and off-screen. She revealed to Bustle, "People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I’m both of those roles."
She continued, "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
Quinta doesn't just lead, she understands the importance of curating the energy of any space she enters. Even amid a season of shifts and shedding, her power speaks loudly. Sometimes that power looks like quiet resistance. Sometimes that power is soft leadership.
And sometimes that power looks like cutting your hair and taking back your name in rooms that have forgotten you were an artist long before you were a brand.
Read Quinta's cover story on Bustle here to witness the fullness of Quinta's becoming.
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Featured image by Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Shutterstock