Kick off 2018 on a positive note: things to do before leaving your job

Have you been wishing for a more fulfilling job but find yourself stuck in the same place year in, year out? Maybe it's the fear of change, or the hassle of going through the job search process that's holding you back. Whatever it is, you're the only one who can change your circumstances. The reality is, there's never a good time for change. If you look for an excuse not to leave your job, you'll find one easily enough.

Change is uncomfortable and often challenging during the initial stages, but there's no progress without change. Why not make the most of the new year and kickstart 2018 on a positive note? It's time for you to get into the driver's seat and steer your career back on track, or onto a new track.

Here are eight things to do, to make it as smooth a transition as possible:

1. Get your finances in order

Make sure you have enough savings to tide you over for the next six months, if you haven't found a new job yet. You don't want to feel pressured into taking on a worse job than the one you just left, just because you can't afford to pay the rent and feed yourself. Having sufficient savings will give you time and space to find the right job for your skills and experience.

1. Write down your career goals

Writing down your goals allows you to visualise them, which gives you clarity of mind and helps you take the necessary steps towards achieving those goals. The act of writing them down further solidifies your commitment towards realising those dreams.

1. Update your resume and JobStreet.com/jobsDB profile

This might seem obvious, but having a properly updated resume and JobStreet.com/jobsDB profile not only puts you in the right frame of mind to start your job hunt, it also gives you a much-needed boost of confidence to see what you've learned and achieved in your career thus far.

1. Get the word out (discretely)

Reach out to your professional and social network. Start spreading the word that you're in the market for a new job. By casting your net further afield, you're not just relying on advertised vacancies. It's a universal fact that most companies prefer to hire based on internal recommendations.

1. Ask for recommendations

As mentioned above, being recommended by a current employee of the company is a major plus point for you. If you spot a relevant job opening, or hear of one, get a friend or professional contact to put in a good word for you. It never hurts to ask, and you never know what it might lead to.

1. Get written references

Make sure you get written references from colleagues and superiors. You will need them for your job applications. Always best to cross them off the list in advance. To make the process easier, you can offer to write the letter or provide the referees with a customisable template.

1. Prepare your resignation letter

You will want to give plenty of notice to ensure your boss has sufficient time to find a replacement for you. Leave on good terms—you might cross paths again in the future, and it's always best to maintain professional relationships.

1. Have a hand-over plan

Don't wait for your boss to ask for it. Have it ready once you've handed in your resignation letter. This shows your boss that you've put careful thought and consideration into the transition period for the department, which will in turn, make your own transition easier too. Being organised is the key to efficiency after all.

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