"Quitting Your Job"

This month is likely going to be the busiest I have ever had. That is my disclaimer to my good friends who will not hear from me because I am on the job hunt. Along with millions of migrating Americans, I too am making a move in my career. Won't bore you with the details, but here are a few strategies that have helped me make the transition:

> Do something new through your position the last 4 months you hold it. It is easy to see the end so why not capitalize on the last 4 months by doing a new thing, it will look good on a resume and will refresh your perspective for the transition ahead-- get your head out of your current situation. Ideas include: Pastor (go to a differing church occasionally), Education (mentor a freshman student), Politics (get a friend in the Green party). I started 3 new student groups, and decided to volunteer for our multicultural student affairs office (great stuff).

> Ask your biggest critic to offer some parting advice for you as you transition, and extract as much truth out of it as possible for 1 night, then burn the notes and take only the things you decide are worth changing. I did this with an administrator in my department, it was useful for me and allowed them to heal from some hurts they had against me.

> Renew an old friendship. While I am beginning to do this, it helps refresh me and remind me there are people who love me for me, they remember the good times, and the good times will come again.

> If married, involve your spouse in the search. It has helped my wife to prepare for the move and get excited about the possibilities. If you are not married, drop a weekly email to some trusted friends about your search update, it will often yield some great advice.

> Recognize any issues you have with your current employer (supervision, direction, choices they have made, etc...) They are likely to re-emerge as you move to another employer. My issues have changed very little and I have seen them emerge in 3 different positions, you'd think I would learn. Don't let the necessity of getting a job cause you to settle for the same environment that rubs you the wrong way--unless you are ready to deal with it and come to peace with it.

> If your issues are certain people, never talk about them to others, especially co-workers. Your most trusted co-worker might accidently share with their trusted friend and now, too many people know. When that person finds out how you really feel about them it will hurt and you may not be represented acurately. Best to go to the person or keep the comments to your diary (plus it's gossip).

> Use your last months to thank those who have invested in you the last (however many) years. I have begun doing this, and you would be surprised at how many people didn't know they had impacted me or have never had someone take the time to reflect by thanking them. Good advice anywhere you are.

OK, I have lot's of other advice, but everyone's situation is different, so be uniquely you. Hope these help, please respond with your comments, I'd benefit from them.