In May 2022 I quit my well paid, corporate job to travel around Europe with my partner. I spent fifteen years working my way up the ladder in big corporations. I was earning great money, with excellent benefits and good flexibility. But I had a burning desire to do something new and different with my life. After the pandemic, the lure of freedom, adventure and travel was too great. And many people are in the same boat. So, whether you have made up your mind about quitting your job or are just curious, here are five things to know before you quit.
Is quitting your job the right thing for you?
I quit because I had a deep desire to live a more adventurous life. Long term travel had been on my mind for years. I wanted a new chapter and a clean break but quitting is not the right decision for everyone. It is wise to first think about exactly what you want to achieve both short term and longer term. If the idea of extended travel excites you but you still love your career, a sabbatical may be preferable. Or if your employer operates internationally maybe a foreign placement is a possibility. There are many options, which do not require quitting your job so make sure you consider them first.
Sort out your money
Unless you are independently wealthy you most likely rely on your job to pay the bills. So if you are seriously considering quitting your job you probably have some savings, or another source of income. Before quitting you should calculate how long your funds will last you. Before I went away, I created a simple financial forecast in Microsoft Excel. I used bank statements to work out my typical outgoings and then made estimates about my expected costs of travel. You can keep refining it but you will find it immensely helpful to have an idea of how far your money will go.
Know your employment contract
Your employment contract is absolutely crucial but for many people it is seldom looked at. However, when it comes to quitting your job your contracted notice period is all important. Resigning at the right time is essential. I failed to realise the fine print, that my once four weeks notice period, actually increased every year! Fortunately I was able to reach a compromise with my understanding employer but you may not be so lucky. Working longer than you expected could easily disrupt or even ruin your plans. So, avoid needless stress, by checking your contract early!
Communicate the quit
Once you know when to quit, you need to know how. It is not the easiest thing to ask about in advance but there should be some resources available. Some employers will ask for a letter to your manager. Others prefer a letter to the human resources department. It may be fine to just send an email. My employer had an online employee portal with a big, tantalizing “Resign Now” button. In big corporations, it is likely you can find out how to resign in the employee manual or in an HR policy. If in any doubt, over-communicate and make sure you receive a written acknowledgment with your agreed leaving date. Leaving no room for doubt makes everyone’s life easier.
Beware the whirlwind of quitting your job
So you’ve handed in your notice and you’re counting down the days. It’s natural to ride a wave of euphoria. But just like any separation, there are things you and your employer will need from each other. While your manager may not want to think about it yet, dealing with it early will save stress later. Start by writing a list of what you need from your employer such as tax and pension documents. Find out how and when you should expect to receive them and where possible, request them early. Your last few days will be a whirlwind so try to keep it as clear and stress free as possible.
Quitting your job isn’t an easy decision to make but, can be one of the most liberating things you ever do. Whether you are quitting to travel or for any other reasons I hope this list is helpful in making your life a little bit easier. Good luck!
Jon
Jon is an adventurer at heart. He has driven 8000 miles across Europe, completed multi-day hikes and swum with sharks. He has had a long and impressive career managing in a training and education business as well as leading transformational change during Covid-19. He has now taken the brave decision to step away from corporate life to pursue his creative ambitions. He is currently editing his first book as well as creating this blog. Together with Lauren, Jon has embarked on many adventures including a winter road trip of Italy, a sleeper train tour for his birthday and kayaking in the Galapagos Islands.