Modus Operandi: 10 things to keep in mind when you are quitting your job

So you’ve had enough of the tyrannical shackles of employment? It feels like you crossed the point of no return a couple of months ago? Everyone else around you seems to be living their dream while you’re just helping your ungrateful boss live his? The straw has finally broken your camel back?.Congratulations! You’re ready to quit your job!.Almost everyone I know, including me, is already on their second job. Some champions have managed to get to their fourth in as many years since graduating. The glorious dream of starting and retiring from the same office is officially dead. Chances are, no matter which desk you’re slaving behind currently, soon enough you’re going to be in a different zip code. In preparation of this eventuality, I’ve closely watched some of my champion quitter friends and compiled here a list of 10 things to keep in mind when you decide to throw in the towel:.10. Making Sure.When you’re certain you want to leave you may want to take one last cold, hard look at your decision. Is there an easier way to fix your issues? Perhaps a different team or work stream is the solution? Are your future plans well thought out? Are you financially prepared for the move? The last thing you want is to take a lasting decision based on a fleeting mood swing..9. The First Step Out.It’s pretty much a rule that the first person to hear of your intention to quit should be your boss. This is the person who is responsible for planning around your departure after all. It’s very important the two of you have a conversation about what happened, the transition and the way forward. Subject to what your boss says, make it a point to inform everyone you report to that you’re leaving personally, so they don’t hear about it on the grapevine..8. Take a Break.Now, this isn’t a must and sometimes the choice may be out of your hands, but if you can, take a breather. Leaving a place in which you’ve invested so much time and emotion (hatred counts) is exhausting. A little bit of time to yourself, to rest and recuperate will help you make better choices for your future..7. The Method in the Madness.Before you quit, it’ll be best to figure out what the exit procedure at your job is because when you finally put your papers in, you’re going to be caught up in a flurry of noise and movement. Nagging details like the length of the notice period will make a difference to your plans. Other persnickety things to think about include collecting your documents, wiping your laptop clean of personal information, getting your tax certificates, returning your phone or SIM, collecting your reimbursements and transitioning your work load off on to an unlucky colleague. This is all a lot of work, so stay organized, so you can stay sane..6. Politeness has its rewards.We’ve all seen posts and videos on social media sites where employees have come up with elaborate processes or loud outbursts to humiliate their superiors. I understand the urge to exact revenge on your tormentors but you’ll only be making a spectacle of yourself. It’s the same reason you want to make sure you want to let your boss know of your intention to leave as early as you can so the organization can plan appropriately. Best to leave the door open a crack in case circumstances change and you need to hightail it back. The better you handle the transition out, the more likely that you’ll be able to get yourself a good reference, recommendation or that your boss will put in a kind word for you to future employers..5. Practice Makes Perfect.When you decide you’ve had enough you’re going to need to inform your boss, make plans for your break and look for options for your future. Exit interviews and job interviews are notoriously difficult, so practice what you’re going to say before a mirror or better yet, a cooperative friend. Treat it like a presentation and come up with responses to the questions you expect, in advance..4. It’s A Small World.We’ve all joked about how the legal fraternity often feels like a fish bowl and it is a small, tightly knit community prone to over communication. Many who quit citing illness or a loved one’s illness have been caught red-handed joining another office. Save yourself the embarrassment and be as honest as you tactfully can be. The same principles apply to whining about your ex boss, firm or colleagues. In fact if you can stand to, stay in touch. It can’t hurt to have a couple more people on your side..3. Give Back.Remember you were part of this organization once, that you looked at your seniors as mentors and that you’ve created many memories there. Give honest feedback of your experiences to the appropriate parties so they have a chance to reflect on it. Similarly, you want to wrap up the work you have left over so you don’t end up saddling some poor colleague who probably has more than their fair share of problems anyway..2. Learn From Your Mistakes.There are a lot of reasons why people leave but it’s important to take the time to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing, so you don’t repeat your mistakes. Maybe you’re actually just tired of corporate law or you aren’t meant for a desk job? Or maybe you need to communicate better so things don’t reach a breaking point? It’s worth the time to think about what went wrong and who was responsible – life is too short to make the same mistakes..1. Done is Done.Once you know what went wrong, you can finally move in to your wonderful present with its shiny, new choices. Let go of whatever anger, resentment or gossip you’re holding on to and invest, really invest in your new life. There will be hiccups and Stockholm Syndrome but there’s no point in holding yourself back. Move on..Yashasvini Kumar graduated from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad and is currently working at a law firm in Delhi. In her spare time she is often cooking or writing about food at “For the Reluctant Chef” . You can read her previous column for Bar & Bench here.