July 05 2023

The Psychology of Leaving a Job

The process of leaving a job can be a difficult and complex experience for many employees. It comes with a range of emotional, social and practical challenges. The decision to leave a job is often made after much thought, consideration and perhaps disappointment. This decision can be made for a variety of reasons, including a new job opportunity, a change of career, a move to a country or city, job dissatisfaction, problems with a manager or a change of lifestyle.

When the decision to leave is made, many people face a complex range of emotions. First, the decision itself can bring a sense of relief and freedom. However, uncertainty, anxiety and worry can also arise. It can be difficult to think about issues such as uncertainty about the future, financial security and the changes that the change will bring.

During this process, it is extremely important for the employee to consider their emotional balance and individual needs. A supportive environment can help maintain emotional balance. Resources such as family, friends, and advisors can help you cope with emotional difficulties during the separation process.

The process of leaving your job can also be a turning point for new opportunities and potential growth. During this process, self-evaluation, reviewing your life goals can be effective, and brand new goals can be set.

I would like to share some strategies for effectively managing the separation process.

Communication, communication, communication…

First of all, when you decide to leave your job, it is important to communicate the situation to your employer openly and sincerely. Establishing a constructive dialogue with your employer can help reduce negative feelings and preserve your relationships and references.

Take care of your network

The network you gain during your employment is very, very important. If you have the time and your company does not have any gentleman's agreement (and of course, ethical values ​​should also be taken into consideration), sharing that you are leaving your job and recording the contact information of the relevant people can be helpful in the future. Similarly, share your contact information.

Take notes, focus on your story

When transferring a job, while tidying up your emails and desk, think about what you did at that company, what you achieved, and what challenges you overcame. If possible, write these down. Past successes and experiences may be forgotten over time with the process of leaving your job. Therefore, it will be very useful to take notes to remember what you did, what you achieved, and what challenges you overcame.

Every job you do, every role you have is a story. The successes of the hero in that story, the obstacles he/she overcame, the obstacles he/she could not overcome, the opportunities he/she missed, in short, everything that happens contributes to the next story you will create. Therefore, the notes you will take are an important step in helping you know yourself better, determine what you want to do next, and direct your development.

Give yourself time

Give yourself time during the separation process and give yourself the time you need to recover emotionally. To relieve the stress of leaving your job, you can apply stress management techniques, exercise, and take time to rest.

During this process, it is important to renew yourself emotionally and mentally. Taking time to relax and recover before and after leaving will help you plan your future steps in a healthier way. Using stress management techniques is an effective way to cope with anxiety and worry. You can try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. In addition, it is very important to take care of your physical health. Exercise is a great way to release endorphins. Going for a walk, running, or cycling can be good.

If you are starting a new job, I recommend that you allow at least 2 weeks of rest and vacation between leaving and starting your new job. This will allow you to give yourself time when starting your new job after leaving your old job. A period of at least 2 weeks can be ideal for rest, vacation, and preparation for the new term. This period will reduce the emotional intensity of leaving your job, while allowing you to renew your energy and start your new job more focused and motivated.

Experience the excitement of new beginnings

Finally, see the process of leaving your job as a beginning full of opportunities. Take the chance to rediscover yourself, learn new skills and focus more on your interests.

The process of leaving your job can be challenging, but with the right approach and a supportive environment, you can manage this process positively and


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