How to leave the door ajar when you move into self-employment

Leaving a job well can be as important as creating a good impression when you’re newly in post. If you’ve had a good experience, you might want to work for your former employer again in some capacity. So how do you set about leaving a job on good terms?  My former employer provided me with encouragement to develop and flourish professionally. I’d spent many happy years there and it felt very final to walk away completely. Here I outline the steps I took ensure that the door would remain ajar once I’d left.

It look me a long time to decide to make the move from my role as Head of Careers at the University of Warwick. I don’t make career changes lightly or often. When I finally made the decision, I’d undertaken a lot of preparation before handing in my notice.

I’ve enjoyed a fabulous career at Warwick and have built many great working relationships and friendships along the way. I didn’t want to cut my ties completely. The work I’ve found most fulfilling in recent years isn’t listed on my Job Description- but it has had a really positive impact. I’d delivered ‘Springboard’, the women’s personal and professional development programme for 5 years. For each programme I’d routinely gathered participant feedback, capturing impact and progression data. The results have been impressive, with staff successfully applying for promotions, mostly internally, so I was able to demonstrate  the contribution to staff retention and progression.

As result of the programme’s success, many more staff were keen to complete it . And I’m delighted to say that I’ve negotiated to continue delivering ‘Springboard’ as a freelancer. I have my first programme signed off to start this autumn term with more in the pipeline.

My line manager has supported me to engage with these ‘extra-curricular’ activities; work she knows inspires and stretches me, even though it’s not directly contributing to my job role. However, the work I’ve delivered has impacted on the wider institutional metric of the Gender Pay Gap and has been a positive way to raise the University’s profile. Those of you who follow me on LinkedIn will know I’ve shamelessly promoted the benefits of the Springboard programme to staff at Warwick. I was recognised for this work with an ‘Excellence in Gender’ award a few months ago, which raised my profile and the success of the programme.

I’m also a licensed Strengths practitioner and this work has led to multiple invitations both within and beyond Warwick to deliver sessions for staff teams and leaders to explore how staff can capitalise on what they are good at and enjoy- and work effectively together. I’ve also contributed to webinars, professional body leadership training and other women’s development programmes.

Having the opportunity to do the work I love most has helped me to focus where I want to invest my time and energy.  It’s made me realise that while I can lead and manage a team, I’m at my happiest-and best- when I’m working directly with groups and individuals, helping them to develop confidence, self-awareness and agency. That’s why I’ve taken the leap of faith into self-employment.

As a freelance ‘Springboard’ licensed trainer, in future I’ll be in a position to deliver the programme to female staff both within Warwick and beyond. I’m looking forward to being able to say ‘yes’ to work that truly appeals to me.

My tips for leaving a job well

1. Quitting your job while leaving the door ajar, requires trust. Make sure you become a ‘trusted’ staff member by building a good track record. This takes time. For me, this foundation of trust has enabled me to stretch and grow professionally.
2. Work for an enlightened boss who can see not only your potential but the added value you can bring to your organisation. Then capture the impact of your work.
3. Be a company person rather than a maverick. There’s a fine line between being granted the flexibility (and privilege) to engage in work you love and simply doing your own thing. Don’t cross that line. Always ask yourself what the benefits of undertaking any extra-curricular work will have for your organisation.
4. Ask yourself what particular skills, knowledge or experiences you’re keen to develop. What do you want to become the go-to person for? You may discover these aren’t things within your job role. However if you feel that ‘motivational pull’, try and find a way to make them happen.
5. Taking my time to make the move has enabled me to start to build a bridge to my next career. I’ve developed a network of contacts both within the organisation I’m leaving  and a range of individuals outside it. Don’t underestimate the value of LinkedIn for sharing what you’re doing to build your profile and for developing relationships with others.

Summary

Ultimately, I knew leaving my job was the right decision. Once I’d shared my news with my boss I immediately felt lighter, excited and energised.  I’m looking forward to this next stage in my career as well as keeping connected to my former employer.

No one can discover you until you do. Exploit your talents, skills, and strengths, and make the world sit up and take notice.                                                           

Rob Liano.