Don't Make This Mistake When You Quit Your Job

One year ago today, I put in my 5-week notice to quit my job.

It feels like a lifetime ago.

It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made, but I knew I was more than ready to leap. Not to another company this time, but into full-fledged entrepreneurship.

I was beyond burned out — not from overwork, but from misalignment.

After nearly 3 years growing with the company, my goals were no longer aligned.

The only thing stopping me from leaving was fear.

I fought the good internal fight:

Logic said, "I'm making great money, have so much freedom in this role, and love my coworkers. Why would I give this up?”

But intuition whispered louder, "What is it costing you to stay? It's time. You're ready enough. If not now, when?"

It's normal to be nervous when quitting your job — especially if you're taking a career break or starting a business.

Leaving your job for another great opportunity can also feel scary.

These fears often come up for high achievers:

• I don't want to leave my team hanging…
• What if I ruin all these relationships?
• What if I'm making a huge mistake?

Here’s the reality: You've gotta put yourself first in your career.

You wouldn't WANT to leave if it wasn't part of your path.

And sorry not sorry but you're replaceable.

Companies are designed to continue without you.

Your team will adjust. If you leave on good terms, those relationships will last beyond your tenure.

Both times I've quit my job, leadership told me I could come back if I wanted. That door remained open because of HOW I left.

I wrote out my best tips with a script to help you quit your job gracefully. A new mom inside The Accelerator used this flow to courageously quit her no-longer-aligned job post-maternity leave this week.

Save for the next time you're ready to quit 👇

How to Quit Gracefully

Your reputation isn’t built on how you start — it’s built on how you finish.

You didn't work so freaking hard to build your rep at this company only to throw it away at the end.

How to quit with your relationships intact:

• Set up a 1:1 conversation with your manager. Ideally, not right before any critical meetings.​
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• Be direct and clear about your decision to leave: "I've really enjoyed my time at COMPANY, and I've made the difficult decision to leave. My last day will be in X weeks on DATE."
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• Express gratitude for your time together & bring up positive memories: "I can't thank you and the team enough for everything. I've been reflecting on all work we did together — it's hard to believe how far we've come since [insert nostalgic talk about the glory days of your best projects or shared challenges overcome together]."
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• Come prepared with a transition plan: "I've put together an initial draft of my transition plan, and I'll work with the team closely to make sure all my projects get wrapped up or transitioned before DATE. I'd love to get your feedback on it."
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• Keep the door open for future connections: "I wanted to let you know as soon as possible so we can make this a seamless transition. How would you prefer I inform the rest of the team?"

Hold up...

"Katy, what if I actually did NOT enjoy this team?!"

Oh, you’re sitting on a mountain of feedback you’re dying to share?

Now that you're not working there, you can FINALLY air the complaints about bad management, poor exec decisions, and cultural issues.

It's especially tempting if you're leaving because of those issues.

I know you want to get it off your chest...

Save yourself right now and DON’T.

Bringing up new problems will only tinge the reputation you've worked so hard to build.

Negative feedback won’t create the change you hope for — you're not saving anyone you're leaving behind.

Carrying that baggage into your next career chapter is only going to hurt you.

Use this exercise from my therapist for releasing those negative emotions instead:

You deserve to move forward with a clean slate. Embrace your next move from a place of possibility.

ANYTHING is possible when you decide to operate like the CEO of your career.

Now it's your turn! I want to hear from you —

• If you want to quit your job >> What’s holding you back right now? Is it fear or a lack of clarity, knowledge, strategy?
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• If you were laid off >> Have you worked through the stuck emotions tied to that past role yet? What is stopping you from powerfully moving forward?
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• If you quit recently >> CONGRATS!! I'm celebrating you big time. What does your next chapter hold?

Hit reply and let me know!

Let’s win together,

P.S. If you haven't already grabbed my free course >> What are you waiting for?! Get the playbook generalists are using to unlock their next energizing career move.​