We’ve all been there. At some point in our working lives, we’ve reached a point where everything about our current job is maddening, infuriating, frustrating, or feels like a waste of time. You’ve been looking for a new job for what feels like an eternity, and it seems like nothing is going in your favor. Or maybe you’ve been at your current job so long and have been passed up for promotions or new opportunities, and you feel like you’ll be stuck there forever.

Take a deep breath. Before you march into your manager’s office and provide your notice of resignation, there are several things to consider before potentially burning a bridge.

1. What do you really want?

This is the most important question you can ask yourself during the job search process. What do you want: in life, from your career, in your work? What matters most to you? What do you need to have a happy, fulfilled life? Do a little soul-searching before making a big change to ensure your next steps will move you closer to your goals. Moving out of frustration or anger might only feel good for a moment, but the realization that you’ve jumped without a net and without a destination can be terrifying. Take some time to make sure you know why you’re leaving, what you want to do next, and, ideally, how to get there.

2. Are there opportunities available at this organization you’re not aware of?

It’s common during annual reviews to talk with your manager about your career aspirations. Have you ever asked about opportunities to increase your role or expand your skills? Have you ever talked about your goals? Has the topic of promotions or changing roles ever come up? It’s the responsibility of you and your manager alike to have these conversations, but if there’s no sense of interest, it might not come up. Before making a decision, check out your organization’s website and consider having a talk with your manager about what you’d like to do with your career. See if there’s any chance of making a change without leaving the organization. Maybe there’s room for flexibility in your schedule, which could be enough to help improve your work- life balance and relieve some stress if family obligations are making you think about leaving. Have the conversations and see what’s possible before giving your notice.

3. What do you owe your current employer?

Before you leave abruptly, even if you’re providing sufficient notice, review the terms of your employment to see if there are other things you need to do. If you’re a contract employee, review your agreement and see whether there is a certain amount of time you have to give when leaving the job; determine whether there are obligations you are required to fulfill, work you’re required to complete, etc. You’ll want to be thorough in every aspect of the contract to ensure there are no unexpected surprises in terms of fees for breaking the contract or other terms you might not be aware of or have forgotten about. If you have questions, find someone you can trust to go over the contract with you to ensure you’re covering all necessary details on the way out.

4. Make it easier on the next person and your manager.

One of the most considerate things you can do, that also helps you look fantastic in hindsight, is preparing a detailed list of all your tasks. Write down every responsibility you have and provide instructions on how to complete each one. This not only helps your current employer understand whether your job title fully covers all the responsibilities of the position, but it ensures the next person in your job has all the required skills and abilities to fulfill those tasks. It also highlights how much you do and helps you see all the responsibilities you’ve acquired—great information for updating your resume. Providing this information on your way out will also help management divvy up your tasks until someone else is hired to replace you.

5. Don’t burn bridges.

No matter how much it might feel like a great idea, like a moment of justified vengeance, don’t burn bridges with your current organization. Don’t walk out shouting profanity or make a big scene after you turn in your notice or on your last day. Instead, be grateful and humble; take the time to thank everyone you’ve worked with for their help, assistance, and friendship. Now that you’ve announced your departure, continue to show up for work and do what you need to do to wrap things up neatly before your last day. Ask how you can be helpful on the way out, in addition to preparing a list of your tasks, as mentioned above. You never know who from this organization might hold a position of power, authority, and influence over your future. You never know when you might need a reference from this employer to help secure another job. You never know who you’ll be able to help in the future! You want to be remembered fondly and with respect. Don’t do anything to damage someone’s positive memory of you in professional settings.

If the time has come when you have to leave your current job, be mindful and considerate on the way out. Take the time to leave your colleagues in as good a position as possible. Help them as much as you can; they’re not the manager or the internal infrastructure that prompted you to leave.

Find a New Job in Hawaii Today

If you’re feeling nervous about wanting to leave because you haven’t been able to secure a new job yet, it’s time to bring in reinforcements. Start by calling Bishop & Company, a long-standing Hawaii-based staffing organization that can help you find a great new opportunity right here within your community.

We have strong ties with organizations and can help you understand which industries are hiring, what skills are in demand, and how your work experience can help make you a strong candidate for one of our partner organizations. Take a moment to review our open positions, then give Bishop & Company a call. We’ll review your resume, discuss job options, and, when the right opportunity comes along, we can even put in a good word with the hiring manager there! When you’re ready to make a change, give Bishop & Company the chance to help you find a bright new future.