I've resigned... So, now what?

Honestly, TV shows make resigning from your job look so simple and easy. It's actually far from it (unless you're some god that has everything worked out, and can have another job lined up quick smart.)

Sure, you may heavily dislike your job. You may complain to anyone who will listen about it, and threaten to leave, but when it comes down to it, actually handing in that small slip of paper can be quite daunting. Whether you've decided to give no notice, 2 weeks notice, or even longer, knowing there is a definitive end date is kind of scary.

I went through this recently. I've had the same job since May 2017. It's been good to me, and I will always be grateful I was offered the position, but I've realised it's time for me to move on to something that will truly inspire me. After a few weeks of deliberation (because impulsive moves are NOT the go-to!), I finally wrote up two letters of resignation and handed them to my current boss, and the new boss as of 1 January.

It came as a shock for most people, which I expected. I was comfortable here. I earnt a stable income. What was I going to do with my time? Did I have anything lined up for the future?

They say these things like I hadn't already thought them through. I knew what I was doing was the right thing for me; and as hard as it may be for some people to understand, I'm quite comfortable and secure despite going forward into the new year as an unemployed graduate.

So; for anyone looking to resign from current employment, or just preparing for any future resignations you may have to go through; here are some tips.

• Unless you're financially insecure (i.e have rent/bills, live out of home, contribute to the household etc), you don't have to be working a full-time job. Family and friends may call you a bum, but it's okay to take some time off from working, or to figure out what you want to do next.

• You don't have to give explicit and detailed reasons for wanting to resign. A simple 'I am moving into work that is more suited to my interests/studies' is acceptable. Don't let anyone pressure you into revealing something you may not be comfortable sharing.

• It is okay to want out to take care of your mental health. It is just as important as your physical health. Some people may give you flack, and say stress is 'just part of the job' but no, it's actually not. Wanting to take care of yourself, and needing to resign to be able to do so, is acceptable.

• Not having anything lined up is fine (as long as you don't financially depend on an income). Sometimes waiting a little while for the perfect job is better than stressing out and applying for any ol' thing that will give you an income.

• Don't feel pressured into coming back to 'help out'. People will take advantage of this, and won't pay you for work you do. Leave detailed notes if you must prior to leaving, to assist with onboarding of a new staff member.

• Give notice. Most contracts have a 2-week notice clause that employees must abide by. Make sure to set out in your resignation letter the exact date of your last day of work, so that it is clear for your employer.

• Trying out other fields is great! You may have been stuck in an office job, and want to move into something that is a big more physical. As long as you have the drive to pursue, and transferable skills, you can succeed if you put your mind to it!

• If you don't have new work lined up immediately, make a list of some things you want to get done in the time off. It can be as simple as cleaning up areas of your room/house that don't feel the love often, or completely cleaning out your wardrobe. Learning a new language or a few new recipes. Having things to do during the day will make you feel productive.

• Make sure to update your resume to show your accurate start and end dates for your position!