When It's Time to Leave a Job: Lessons From Workplace Trauma and Career Growth
Happy Thursday, Fam!
I don't know about you, but this week went by incredibly slow for me. I spent all of Wednesday thinking it was Thursday until someone corrected me at the end of the day (EOD). Big sigh.
As I wrap up these final weeks of consulting, I can't help but reflect on the past few years and the career experiences that shaped me.
When I was in grad school, I was really unsure about what I wanted to do. I completed three separate internships and even wrote my thesis, just in case I decided to pursue a PhD. Looking back, I realize I've always been the type of person who plans her life to a T. And if I don't have everything mapped out, best believe I have a few backup plans.
Why?
I think it's because of what I jokingly call corporate trauma.
I'm not sure if that's an official term, but if it isn't, I'm claiming it.
Corporate Trauma: A single event or series of workplace experiences that negatively impacts someone's mental health because of systemic racism, toxic work environments, layoffs, or other workplace chaos.
Hey, it's a definition in progress.
How Workplace Trauma Shapes Your Career
Someone recently asked me how I balance my workload while running lean on resources. I thought about it for a second and ultimately concluded that because I have an anxiety disorder, chaos sometimes feels like a cozy blanket.
That realization isn't exactly healthy, but I believe in telling the truth, even when it's uncomfortable.
And honestly, my corporate experiences have been pretty strange.
When I was in graduate school, I redesigned a company's orientation process, only to discover that a leader had taken my materials.
STOLE.
As in, I saw my proposal sitting on his desk with my name clearly written on the document. So what did I do? I took it right back off his desk.
That work was mine.
Flips hair.
One of the hardest experiences came after I had worked six years at an organization. Leadership turned their backs on me and talked about me when I wasn't in the room. Unfortunately, I have dozens of stories like this.
But I'm also convinced those experiences helped me grow into the leader I am today.
Signs It May Be Time to Leave a Job
Let me be clear: if you decide to leave a job and your manager or leadership team suddenly ices you out, that's usually a pretty good sign that you made the right decision.
As a leader, when someone tells me they're moving on, I'm happy for them. I want people to find new opportunities, take risks, and embrace new challenges. That's what good leaders should want for the people they've helped develop.
Unfortunately, not everyone responds that way.
Leaving a job isn't always easy, and not every difficult workplace situation means it's time to quit. But there are a few things I believe everyone should keep in mind when they're preparing for their next career move.
4 Things to Do Before Leaving a Job
1. Finish Strong
Don't stop doing the work just because you're leaving.
The world is big, but professional circles are often surprisingly small. Your last few weeks at a company are still part of your professional reputation. Finish strong, be professional, and do the work—not because the company necessarily deserves it, but because you deserve to leave knowing you handled yourself well.
2. Document Your Accomplishments
Before you leave, make a list of everything you accomplished.
Save copies of your performance evaluations. Write down the presentations you created, the projects you led, the processes you improved, and the measurable impact you made.
You'll be surprised how quickly we forget our own accomplishments once we're focused on the next chapter.
Keep receipts.
3. Don't Feel Guilty About Saying Goodbye
To be honest, I often stay in work situationships longer than I should.
I start asking myself questions like: What will happen when I leave? Could I have done more? Who is going to take over?
The reality is that there will always be someone after you. But that person won't replace you, because they bring their own strengths, experiences, and perspective.
You don't have to stay somewhere forever simply because you're good at your job.
4. Create Your Career Checklist
A few years ago, I wrote down exactly what I wanted from my next job.
I wanted to work with intelligent leaders. I wanted people to recognize what I contributed. I wanted to use my voice to create change. And, of course, I wanted a salary with all the perks.
Did my manifestation work?
Yes, it did.
But I still keep that list top of mind. If the organization I work for begins to shift and no longer aligns with my goals, or if I start feeling stagnant in my career, then maybe it's time to spread my wings.
Your Career Should Align With Your Values
Your career should be evaluated by more than your paycheck.
Whatever decision you make, make sure it's based on you.
Your truth. Your vision. Your values.
Your salary will likely go in waves throughout your career. It may be higher one year and lower the next. Sometimes the best career decision means taking a step backward so you can ultimately move forward.
A career isn't a straight line.
Sometimes you stay. Sometimes you go. Sometimes you take an opportunity that doesn't make perfect sense on paper but ends up changing your life.
And sometimes, you simply realize that the corporate hat no longer fits.
So, what's next for you in your career?
Will you stay, or will you go?
If you want to talk 1:1 about career growth, workplace trauma, or workplace drama, I'm your girl. Send me a DM for more details.
Xoxo,
Butler & Co.
