So you’ve completely checked out of your current job and know without a shadow of a doubt that you’re ready for a new career path. Everyone and everything at work are really starting to annoy you. It’s become extremely difficult to get through your workday without thinking about how much you don’t want to be there. 

If this sounds like you then it’s definitely time for a new gig, sis. So instead of finessing your way to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, make good use of the time you have left at your current job. There are a series of actions you can take that will help prepare you for your next job opportunity. Below are 6 things you can do at work when you're ready to quit. 

1. Update Your Resume and Portfolio

Considering how much you think about cussing out your coworkers, it only makes sense to update your resume and portfolio during your free time. 

When updating your resume you’ll want to consider removing old and outdated work experiences that take up space and bring your resume over two pages. You might also want to update the visual look and style of your resume. Look up some more modern resume layouts on platforms like Canva and select a style that will make you stand out in all the right ways. 

Add in your most recent work experience and update your skills to include all the new programs and software you’ve learned since your last resume update. By updating your resume it’ll keep your mind off how much you hate your current job and make you more optimistic about your future opportunities. 

2. Create an Action Plan 

The day you decide to quit your job is the day the real work begins. Outlining a detailed action plan will aid you and keep you accountable in your journey to securing a new job. List out your desired goal(s) and use that to craft your action plan. Is there a particular job title you are seeking? Do you have all the skills and experience needed to obtain your desired job? 

Once you outline your desired goals you’ll be able to decide your next steps. Maybe you’ll decide to take a production or writing class or allocate time each day to watching tutorial videos on Youtube to strengthen your knowledge. Whatever you decide to do, these are action items to include in your action plan. 

Maybe you’ll consider crafting a transition plan for the person who will replace you at your current job. This should also be included in your action plan. Take your time crafting your action plan. You’ll want to do thorough research and find a way to answer every question that comes to mind. Putting a strong action plan together will have you too occupied to think about how annoying your manager is. 

3. Save Your Files 

Before your exit, make sure to save and archive all of the emails, files, contacts, and documents you want to take with you. File all of the projects and assignments you successfully created and completed. Delete anything you don’t want to keep and make sure all of your private information is wiped clean from any company property. The last thing you want to do is leave anything behind that could possibly help you in the future. 

4. Strengthen Your Skill Set 

We should always be growing personally and professionally. You never know enough. Consider identifying ways to propel your skillset in your desired career path. If you desire to become an on-air correspondent, take a public speaking class or practice online. Are you desiring the title of Marketing Manager but seeing that you need to have more knowledge of Adobe Design? Take a digital design course.

Make use of websites like Alison that offer FREE certificate courses online. Finding ways to strengthen your professional skills and taking the necessary actions to make it happen will take some time. Be patient with yourself and embrace all the new steps you’ll need to take on your journey to a new career path. 

5. Strengthen Relationships For Professional Recommendations

Make sure not to shade everybody on your way out, sis. Every job asks for professional references during the interview process, and most will want to see at least one reference from your previous job. Think of all the colleagues you’ve worked and connected with during your time at your current job and put together a list of references you can depend on for a solid recommendation in the event you need it. 

6. Count Your Blessings

One of the most important things to remember to do before quitting your job is to count your blessings. Think about how far you’ve come and feel proud of your progress. With reverence towards the future, allow yourself to enjoy all the abundance you have in your present. 

Thank God for your current job and the salary that helps you pay the bills on time. Think about all the people you’ve met and how your network has grown more solid. Get excited about all the skills you’ve picked up at your current job and how they will aid you in your future positions. 

When you take the time to count your blessings, you’ll quickly see that there is so much more to smile about than complain about. There are so many more blessings waiting for you in the future, but don’t forget to enjoy the ones you have right now. 


Ready. Set. Boss. Our daily email is pouring out inspiration with the latest #BlackGirlBossUp moments, tips on hair, beauty and lifestyle to get you on track to a better you! Sign up today.