The Resignation Meeting During your resignation meeting, you should be prepared for any kind of reaction, ranging from congratulatory handshakes to guilt trips to out-and-out confrontational anger. Your plan is to maintain composure, be courteous and professional at all times. Here are a few points to keep in mind: •Think ahead what you are going to say and stay with it - don't get derailed. Your manager might want more details but at this stage you want to keep it to point. •Focus on positives no matter how satisfying it may seem to "unload." Only discuss positives regarding company, co-workers and job. Resist speaking anything negative - it simply will not do any good and it may come back to haunt you. •Stay on track. If you are given a counter offer, simply say, "I am not here to get a counter offer - I have an opportunity that I can't pass up." •End your meeting on a good note and show that you will be fully cooperative with everyone until your last day and hand over your resignation letter enclosed in an envelope. Leaving On A Positive Note Don't underestimate importance of your performance during your last few weeks. It's tempting to relax and release but this is not a good idea as your professional reputation is at stake. Here are a few points to think about: •Remain focused. Continue to give it your very best effort right up until last minute you're there. •Your co-workers will be curious about why you are leaving. Tell them exactly what you told company. Assume that anything you say will get back, and negative comments you make can be used to make your co-workers look loyal while making you look like a liar. •Ensure that you’ve completed any outstanding tasks and participated in smooth handover of any unfinished work with accompanying documentation. Keep your manager informed that you are actively participating in this process and that you are being as co-operative as possible. •Maintain a positive attitude about company you are leaving and resist gloating about your next job. Your colleagues will remember your professionalism. •Spend some time to speak to all of your colleagues and associates. Thank them for their support and their contribution to your time. Get their contact information because they will be helpful to your future personal and career development. •If you have an exit interview, avoid any negative comments or criticisms. If you did have problems, be objective and brief in your statements and maintain your professionalism and composure.

What is important to you, personally and professionally? 8.

What you would like to do or accomplish during your lifetime (personally or professionally) so that you will consider your life to have been well-lived?

9.

What are you most excited about now?

Take a look at your answers. Is your present career in line with who you are, what you value, and what you are good at? If not, then it is time to make a change.

Once you have established that you are ready for a career change, start thinking about and noticing what you want. If you could do anything, what would you do? By assessing your accomplishments, skills, strengths and weakness you will be able to see a link between what it is that you value, what you are good at, and where "juice" is for you - all things that you can turn into a new career.

Decide what you want and create your opportunities. MAKE A PLAN. Then, use this plan to switch from resentment in your current job to looking at positives you can take to your new career. What are your transferable skills? What are you learning in your present position that you can take with you? Once you have a plan, stay focused on your intention, and pay attention to opportunities that present themselves.

Despite your present frustration and your excitement at possibilities ahead of you, it is natural to feel afraid about starting a new career. Feel fear and do it anyway! Remember, power to do so is within you.

Copyright 2004