It is, of course, natural to get caught up in the workday. There are deadlines, clients to keep happy, and much more. But at some point, the misery of your job will outweigh all these factors, and you will have had enough. Job dissatisfaction can stem from various reasons, the most common being unappreciated for your contribution to the company. 

Recognizing employees for their work is the best way to make them feel valued. Picking customized awards or plaques from a trophy store and awarding them to deserving employees is the least every organization should do. However, unfortunately, in the rat race to meet deadlines and targets, some employers don’t consider appreciating their workers in any form, which leads to their dissatisfaction and quitting.  

If this sounds familiar, here are seven tips on preparing for the “great resignation.”

1) Envision freedom

Your current place of employment has become stifling and boring. The people you work with are rude and disrespectful. Your boss may not actually be qualified for their position, making them a terrible role model in professionality and responsibility. 

It is time to let go of all of these negative feelings and focus on the good days to come. Picture yourself in a new job, surrounded by people who appreciate your presence and work ethic. Imagine the relief that washes over you when you finally hand in your notice.

2) Plan out your final days

Before quitting, it is best to have a plan for your final days. You do not want to burn any bridges, but you also don’t want to stick around and put up with additional nonsense. Establish some boundaries for yourself and communicate them to your boss or co-workers. 

For instance, you might decide that you will only be working from 9 am-5 pm during your final week and will not be taking any calls or emails after hours. You may also request that you be given your final paycheck in cash instead of direct deposit so that the funds are available to you immediately upon quitting.

3) Leave on a high note

You probably cannot wait to get out of there, but don’t act like it until you actually quit! Make sure the quality of your work during this time stays at or above standard, and try not to bite anyone’s head off when they interrupt your workflow. At all costs, avoid prolonging the misery because no one wants an unpleasant goodbye. 

The important thing is to leave on a positive note. Let them know that you’re glad you stuck around as long as you did and didn’t just run away without saying goodbye. This will leave a good impression and make sure that you don’t have any enemies when you leave.

4) Give adequate notice

One to two weeks should be plenty of time for your employer to find a replacement. If you give less than that, they may accuse you of sabotaging the company or quitting without proper notice. 

On the other hand, if you give more than two weeks’ notice, it may seem like you’re not really committed to quitting or that you’re trying to get out of doing any work before leaving. Find the Goldilocks zone and stick with one week.

5) Keep your emotions in check

It is crucial to remain calm and rational during your resignation process. You do not come across as angry, bitter, or resentful. Doing so will only make your departure more difficult and could jeopardize future references or opportunities. Remember, you are leaving on your own terms and should be proud of that!

6) Clean out your desk

This is not the time to procrastinate! The sooner you can clean out your desk, the less stressful it will be. Box up any personal belongings and take them home with you. Anything that is left at your desk after you’ve quit will either be thrown away or given to someone else in the office. It’s best to avoid any drama or conflict over who gets what.

7) Tie up loose ends

For things to run smoothly after you are gone, it is important to tie up any loose ends. Make sure all projects are completed, all reports are filed, and all client contact information is updated. If there are any tasks that you cannot complete before quitting, make a list of them and give it to your replacement. That way, they can continue the work without any interruption.

Bottom Line

Quitting your job can be a scary process, but you will be ready to take on the challenge with these tips in mind. Remember to stay positive and focused on the future. Good luck!