As an adult, our jobs and careers are a large part of who we are. Working is one of the main roles we perform daily. Quitting a job can be considered a major life event.
Maybe you’re looking for bigger and better opportunities. Perhaps you’re leaving behind a toxic work environment. This decision you’ve made can stem from multiple different moving parts.
In the process, your decision can also cause you to have feelings of grief and emotional turmoil. Here we’ll explore ways you can start to deal with these feelings you may be experiencing.
Understand the Emotional Impact
Quitting a job, no matter what the reasoning or circumstances are, can leave you feeling any number of emotions. You’re causing a major change in your daily routine. You’re leaving behind colleagues and possibly some friends. The current sense of stability you have held onto is getting left behind.
When you leave a job, you’re stepping into the unknown. It’s important to acknowledge any feelings you may be experiencing and process them. Give yourself permission to feel sad, happy, scared, or whatever emotions the closing of this chapter brings.
Let Go of Guilt
While you may feel varying emotions about quitting a job, one common thing many people experience is this sense of guilt. You may find yourself feeling bad about leaving certain people behind, leaving your manager shorthanded, not finishing a project, or not completing a proper hand-off.
As you leave your job, try not to let the guilt maintain a hold on you. It’s okay to prioritize yourself and your career development. Loyalty to a job is fine, but it’s also fully acceptable to walk away when your circumstances change.
Reframe your choice to leave in positive terms. Be open and honest with your colleagues. Offer appreciation for the experiences you’ve had and be excited for what’s to come next.
Establish Coping Strategies
You’re closing a chapter in your life and taking a new step forward. The uncertainty or fear of the unknown can cause some anxiety. The step forward can often cause feelings of grief and sadness.
Focus your thoughts on the great opportunities ahead. Use your past experiences to shape your future. Set yourself up for success with a personal transition plan, set new goals, and find a network to help you. Establishing control will help ease the nervousness you feel.
As you leave colleagues from your job, hold on to the connections you value. Making plans to stay in touch can help with the grieving process.
Practice Self-Care
Any major life transition, including ending your time with a job, can be stressful, to say the least. During periods of stress, many of us fall out of routines that can be helpful in dealing with that stress. Making self-care a priority is important now more than ever.
You need to make sure you’re taking care of both your mental and physical health during this transition. Be sure to get in regular, if not daily exercise to promote happy hormone production. Maintain a healthy diet to fuel your mind and body with proper nutrition. Get good quality and quantity of sleep to promote rest and recovery. From there, engage in activities that offer calm and relaxation.
Reinvent Yourself
Doubt about your decision or what comes next can fuel your driving process. Be confident in your decision and departure from your job. Use this next phase as a great opportunity to reinvent yourself professionally. Be creative in this new chapter.
If you need to, revisit the circumstances that led you to your decision to quit. Remind yourself of the amazing opportunities that lie ahead. Reframe any negative thoughts you may be having into something positive and inspiring.
Grief is a normal part of any kind of loss, and a job change is no exception to the rule. If you’re struggling with your grief after quitting your job, you may just need a little extra help processing these emotions. Through therapeutic intervention, we can address your grief and establish coping mechanisms. Even quitting a job ccan be traumatic, if you want to learn more about trauma therapy please click on the link.