SEVEN THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE RESIGNING

As we come out of lockdown and enter a new phase of this pandemic journey, people are reassessing their lives and searching for new ways to work and achieve happier lives.

The past 18 months have been incredibly difficult, challenging and stressful with a huge amount of uncertainty for everyone.  The Pandemic has had far reaching effects, driving significant change throughout our work, social and family life with increased concern and risk surrounding health, wellbeing and job security.  

People feel they have put their lives on hold for almost 2 years now, so the desire for change and making up for lost time is huge. 

Before you make the decision to resign, here are five things to consider;

1.Consider All Options and Be Open with Your Current Employer

Before you take the leap, take time to consider your options with your current employer, before looking elsewhere.

Make a list of the things making you unhappy in your current role. Book a meeting with your manager to share your thoughts and possible solutions.

You may feel your skills are underutilised or your lacking work life balance.   Your manager will appreciate your honesty and may not be aware of how you’re feeling in your current role or team.

2.Don’t be Impulsive 

Are you leaving for the right reason and is now really the right time ?  Bear in mind your work colleagues, managers and friends, are feeling as exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed as you are.

Work environments will change for the better,  post pandemic.  The issues you’re experiencing now may disappear when our ‘new normal’ starts to settle in and people start reconnecting at work.

Excessive ‘work from home’ can have negative effects, distorting our view of  perceived issues. Don’t let challenges become magnified.      

3.Will Leaving Solve Your Problems or Create New Ones

Every new job has its own set of challenges.    Before you start job hunting or attending interviews, prepare a list of the things challenging or demotivating you in your current role.   

Take time to consider what changes you can influence to prevent recreating the same challenges in your new role.  Also consider whether you’re prepared to take on new challenges, positively.

Sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side, its greener where you water it  !      

4.Consider What You’re Leaving Behind

Your current relationships with work colleagues and key stakeholders are valuable and take time to build.  Take a moment to consider the relationships and knowledge you have gained.

This could be of huge value in securing a promotion or new opportunity with your current employer.   

5.Is it Fake or Real ?

Assess every new job opportunity carefully to avoid surprises down the track. A new role may appear fabulous on the outside but what are the expectations, targets, team dynamic, challenges and leadership team drivers and purpose ?  Will this be a short term or long term opportunity and is it sustainable ?         

6.Do you Need a Holiday

Sometimes the best decisions are made with a clear head. If you’re exhausted and stressed, taking a much needed holiday first can provide you with a clearer perspective.  Take time to consider what type of job move is right for you,  when you should make the move and what will it achieve.   

7.Resign respectfully

Keep the door open ! Be kind and respectful to your team when you decide to resign.  It’s always a tough decision and a modest, caring approach will influence others to be the ‘best version of themselves’ at work.