New jobs can sometimes turn into a disaster. And quickly. Before making an abrupt exit, it’s best to come up with an exit strategy.
Here are 6 things to do if that happens.
Start upskilling (in your spare time)
Considering everyone is replaceable, you need to find ways to differentiate yourself. Especially if you are in a crowded field, as most people are, it’s best to think outside the box to beef up your professional brand. Think about how you can Wow! a hiring manager and absolutely crush your next job interview.
If you are not sure where to begin, you can find a range of courses and professional certificates on reputable sites such as Coursera and Udemy. Whether it’s completing coursework or a certification, you do not need to leave the privacy of your home to enhance your education and position yourself as a stronger hire for the next go-around.
Track everything you’ve done
Despite your job turning sour, you do not want it to go to waste. Maintain notes of everything you’ve done and add any applicable projects to your portfolio. Even if you feel like you’ll remember, it’s best to keep notes of the fine details as your memory will fade over time.
Build your emergency fund
Safeguarding your financial wellness has never been more important. Now is the not the time to spend unnecessarily or make foolish money mistakes.
Make sure to budget like a pro and allocate a percentage of your income into a savings account so that if you need to leave your job, you’ll have financial coverage to get by for a period of time, especially if you need to be extra picky with your next job.
Maintain good standing
How you perform is a reflection of you. Even if you are unhappy and don’t feel valued, it’s best to not wear your emotions on your sleeve. Keep in mind that this job will soon be in your rear-view mirror so remain as impassive as possible until that day comes.
Your disposition will be remembered and you never know how your life events may bring you back into contact with someone from your current job.
Maximize your experience
Stretching your experience can often times be critical in order to land your dream job. Don’t lie, but maximize every project and accomplishment to extend the value of everything you’ve done to date. Update your resume accordingly and get it in A+ shape.
Contact your network
LinkedIn is a great tool to make connections and allow employers to know if you are open, privately. Now is an ideal time to touch base with a mentor and reconnect with recruiters. Bookmark every staffing firm you can find and scan their listings for what’s relevant to you. Create a profile and request a phone call with a recruiter to see if they might have anything on their radar that could be a good fit for you.
Sometimes it’s best to just connect with recruiters before applying blindly to a job as they can take notes and perhaps pass you along to their coworkers to keep you in mind. This also allows you to share openly what you’re looking for, without it being in the context of a specific job.
Even though organizing your exit strategy can be overwhelming, try to keep perspective that this time in your life will soon be behind you and that everything happens for a reason.
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