First it was ​​The Great Resignation. Then came Quiet Quitting. That’s the latest career trend circulating on social media.
 
What it means depends on who you ask. For some, it’s a way of keeping your perspective, so your job won’t take over the rest of your life.
 
Others see a darker side. They say it’s a sign of being disengaged at work, and it’s more like a case of how your negative attitude impacts  your career and society. More than half of American workers say they’re doing the minimum to meet their job description. According to Gallup's Poll ​State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report the majority of the U.S. workforce (65%) is not engaged.
 
Is there a middle ground between being a workaholic and just going through the motions? Learn more about what Quiet Quitting could mean for you.

You need a personal life for the sake of your mental health. Otherwise, you’re at risk for burnout and becoming overwhelmed. In fact, some studies have found that working too much is one of the biggest life regrets.

These strategies can help you maintain balance:
 

1. SET BOUNDARIES. It’s up to you how much you want to integrate your personal and professional activities or keep them separate. Find an arrangement that allows you to lead a happy and meaningful life.
   
   
2. LIMIT YOUR HOURS. Excessive overtime interferes with your wellbeing as well as your productivity. Create a reasonable schedule. Stick to your schedule even when you work from home.
   
   
3. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. Connecting with colleagues makes work more fun and satisfying. Engage in small talk and socialize outside the office. Remember Dale Carnegie's advice about how to win friends and influence people. 
   
   
4. TAKE VACATIONS. Enjoy your time off from work. Visit exciting places and spend time with family and friends. Give yourself some downtime the rest of the year too. Go out for lunch and schedule breaks between tasks.
   
   
5. PRACTICE SELF-CARE. Define resilience for yourself and follow your own advice.  Investing in yourself makes you more resilient. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. Manage stress constructively on and off the job. You can't go wrong with proper self-care.

What you do for a living can have a big impact on the quality of your life. Be proactive about making choices that align with your values and help you to reach your goal for professional development. 

Consider using these techniques to protect your career:
  

1. COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY. Many experts regard poor management and remote work as two main reasons behind Quiet Quitting. Talk face-to-face as much as possible. Have weekly one-on-one sessions with your boss. If need be, learn how to give feedback to your boss.
   
   
2. CLARIFY EXPECTATIONS. Understand your boss’ priorities and how your performance will be measured. Learn ​how to handle your performance review . Ask for feedback and put things in writing.
   
   
3. SHOW CONCERN. Let your colleagues know that you care about their wellbeing. Be friendly and helpful. Listen attentively. Learn about listening as a skill and practice active listening examples. Praise them for their talents and accomplishments. Earn their trust by doing your fair share of the work and holding yourself accountable. You may even ​reach more goals with an accountability partner. 
   ​
4. CONNECT WITH THE MISSION. Figure out how your role relates to the overall purpose of your organization. If you disagree with your company’s values, you may be able to make accommodations or you may need to move on.
   
   
5. CONTINUE LEARNING. Keep your skills up to date and give yourself challenges that motivate you. Take courses online and read books about your industry. Join committees and volunteer for interesting projects.
   
   
6. STAY SOLVENT. There's already some talk about quiet firing as a passive-aggressive way to pressure difficult employees to leave. Unfortunately, that lowers morale and could leave you without a paycheck. Think about your financial future even if you dislike your job.

 
Concerns about Quiet Quitting may turn out to be exaggerated, but the questions it raises are real. You spend about one-third of your life at work, so make that time as pleasant as possible. More importantly, pursue your purpose through whatever means work for you.

SOURCE: ​​https://www.market-connections.net/blog/quiet-quitting

​

Deciding to change careers is a big plan. Perhaps you have been in a wrong career path. This post is designed to help set you up for career shifting success. 
 
The idea is to suggest you take action in as little as 10-15 minutes per day for the next few weeks.  Take one action each day from one of the suggested actions — or you can come up with your own task to tackle!
 
There are suggested actions in four categories:

• Future Orientation
• Research
• Mindset
• Putting Yourself Out There

 
Try to plan and track your activities. Here are three ways to do this: 

• Do one action item each day for 14 days straight
• Take action for six days each week (no Sundays) for a little more than two weeks
• Take action for five days each week (no weekends) for just under three weeks

 
Here are suggested actions within each of the areas:
 
Future Orientation

• Start thinking about the future by examining the past. Reflect on your career journey to date — how you got to where you are today. How did you choose your current career?
• Spend 15 minutes brainstorming what you want your ideal next job to be like in your new career fields.
•  Take a career assessment test (skills test) to identify opportunities for a future career. Free assessments include the O*Net Interest Profiler (https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip) or the CareerOneStop Skills Matcher (https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/Skills/skills-matcher.aspx).
• Take a career assessment test (personality test) to help find professions that would be a good fit for your personality. For example, the MBTI® instrument (a paid tool) assesses your personality type and helps you identify career options that might be a fit for you. Learn more here: https://www.mbtionline.com/en-US/Products/For-your-career
• Make a list of what you like — and don’t like — about your current job. What do you want to be different in your next career?
• Take a sheet of paper. On one half, write a list of the skills you already possess. On the other half, make a list of the skills required in your new industry.
• Spend 30 minutes and identify deficiencies in your current skills that would be needed in your next career.
• Think about volunteer work you’ve done that might lead you to a new career field. What hobbies and interests do you have that might transfer to your next career?
• Get important people in your life on board with your desire for a change. Talk with someone close to you about your vision for the future and where you want to go with your career.
• Set a deadline for yourself for your career change. It can be one month, one year, or longer, but put a date to when you want to be in your new career.

 
Research

• What skills, education, and experience do you have to offer (not just from your current job, but also consider volunteer work, hobbies, previous roles, etc.)? Take inventory of your competencies. Make a list.
• Review your strongest skills in O*Net and see which occupations are a match for your skills: https://www.onetonline.org/find/descriptor/browse/Skills/2.A/
• Explore your transferable skills and experience using a tool like the CareerOneStop mySkills myFuture tool: https://www.myskillsmyfuture.org.
• Spend 15 minutes researching a target profession. Use an online tool like the CareerOneStop Occupation Profile: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx
• Make a list of 10 job titles you’d consider in a career change.
• Google some of the job titles you’re interested in.
• Narrow down your choices and spend 30 minutes going in-depth on one of the job titles you’d consider in your job search. Research the specifics of “a day in the life” of that job using an online tool such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook – https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• Spend 15 minutes researching what skills and education and/or training you need to move toward your next career. 
• Check out free and low-cost training to boost your skills. Check out the list available here: https://www.careeronestop.org/EmploymentRecovery/ExploreANewCareer/training-options.aspx
• Make a list of 10 target employers you'd be interested to join in your next career.
• Spend 15 minutes researching the salary and benefit averages for your desired career.
• Write down the names of 10 people who might be helpful in making your career change. 
• While you'll be considering the cost of a career change, create a budget for this change. What do you need to make the transition? Will you be taking a pay cut with this change? How will you handle the loss in income? Develop a plan, cut your expenses, and start saving money now.
• Spend 30 minutes researching funding/grants to retain for a career change. (For example, if you lost your job in certain professions, some states have grant funding to help you make a change to a different career.) Look into Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs in your state. There are several job training programs available under this program.
• Consider whether you want to work for yourself in your next career. Research how to find contract work or become self-employed. Remember, freelancing is also considered as self-employment. 

 
Mindset

• Answer the following questions in writing: Why do you want to make a change? What do you want to be different in your next career?
• Write out a statement — a mission statement — that you can use to guide your career change. It should outline what you want your career to look like and how you will achieve your goal.
• Create a mental picture of what you want to do next … and then create a physical picture to match it! This can be a photo or image which symbolizes your career goal or even a Pinterest board that incorporates your idea.
• Think long-term. Really spend some time thinking about your next career and imagining yourself working in that field for the next 10-15 years.
• Don’t fear the transition. Spend some time dreaming about the future.

 
Putting Yourself Out There

• Register for a class, training, or degree that will move you towards your next career.
• Make an appointment with a career counselor to provide an objective point of view on your career change planning. Some even administer career assessments.
• Set up an informational interview. Arrange a meeting/call to talk to someone who does the job you want to do.
• Ask one of your contacts if you can “shadow” them at their job to see what a “day in the life” is like in that career.
• Reach out to your network and ask someone for help with something related to your career change.
• Start to explore a career change by volunteering. Is there an opportunity to get involved in your new career field by volunteering or interning?
• Join a LinkedIn Group for the profession you’re targeting. Read, listen, learn.
• On LinkedIn, follow five of the target companies you identified in your research about your career change.
• Find a mentor or accountability partner to help you with your career change.
• Learn how to customize your resume to highlight your transferable skills, experience, training, and education, towards your new career target.

[Date]
 
 
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State  Zip]
 
Dear [Contact Name]:
 
Please accept this letter of resignation as my official notice that I will be leaving [Company Name] effective [last date with the company].
 
Thank you for the opportunity to work with you, and please let me know if I can be of assistance in making this transition as smooth as possible.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
[Your Name]

"Two Weeks Notice Example" 

related to the Two Weeks Notice Template above

►► Want to see a different Two Weeks Notice Template? ◄◄

IMPORTANT: A "two weeks notice letter" is also known as a "resignation letter"

"Template For Resignation Letter"

Below is an Example Resignation Letter based on a template for resignation letter offered in this blog's previous post. 

August 21, 2021
 
 
Mr. John Olson
Owner
Olson Industries
1111 Main Street
Los Angeles, CA  90011
 
Dear Mr. Olson:
 
I have enjoyed working for your company for the past six years. During this time, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to help grow the sales and position the company as the leading manufacturer of beauty supplies. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with truly inspiring associates and leaders.
 
However, I have accepted a new position with another company. This letter is to confirm that my last day with Olson Industries will be on September 4th.  I am happy to help with the transition process, training my replacement to provide a seamless transition.
 
Thank you again.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Mark Jobseeker

"Template for Resignation Letter"

related to the Example Resignation Letter above

►► Want to see a different Example Resignation Letter? ◄◄

IMPORTANT: A "resignation letter" is also known as a "two weeks notice letter"

"Two Weeks Notice Example" 

​When it’s time to leave, one must first reflect upon how to  quit my job professionally.  The first step is to let your supervisor or boss know verbally, but then follow up with an official letter of resignation (or provide the letter in the meeting with your boss). The letter of resignation serves as official notice that you are leaving the company and provides confirmation of key details, such as your last day with the company and any “housekeeping” items you need to confirm (return of company property, continuation of health insurance benefits, etc.).
 
Do not include any negative information in your resignation letter. Don’t disparage your supervisor(s), co-workers, the company, or its products or services. Your letter of resignation will be kept on file and what you say may influence any future reference checks.
 
Whenever possible, hand-deliver your letter of resignation. Below is a template for resignation letter.

[Date]
 
 
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
[Address]
[City, State  Zip]
 
Dear [Contact Name]:
 
I have enjoyed working at [Company Name] for the past [length of time]. During this time, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to [name some key accomplishments]. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people.
 
However, I have accepted a new position with another company. This letter is to confirm that my last day with [Company Name] will be on [date]. I am happy to help with the transition process, training my replacement to provide a seamless transition.
 
Thank you again.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
[Your Name]

 "Example Resignation Letter"  

​​based on the template above

►► Want to see a different Template For Resignation Letter? ◄◄

IMPORTANT: A "resignation letter" is also known as a "two weeks notice letter".

"Two Weeks Notice Template"  

Is a letter of resignation necessary? It depends. Many jobseekers simply tell their boss verbally that they are leaving — but there are several advantages to actually writing a resignation letter.

• It can help start the conversation about you leaving the company. You can simply give it to your boss and say, “I am submitting my letter of resignation because I must let you know I will no longer be a part of our team here.”

• A resignation letter can provide you with an outline to discuss all matters related to your departure from the company (timing, unused vacation, sick leave, 401K, etc.)

• It can help you quit your job professionally on the right foot — without burning bridges, and leaving the door open for future opportunities, should they arise.

Letters of resignation should be positive in tone. This is not the time to air your grievances. Your resignation letter will likely become a part of your permanent file, so choose your words carefully. If at all possible, hand-deliver (don’t email) your letter of resignation.
 
In the future, the person verifying your employment with the company might not be someone you worked with previously. They may review your file and what you write in your letter of resignation might be important. A strong recommendation can be important — and it’s appropriate to reiterate your contributions in the resignation letter so that information is in your file. Just don’t go overboard; this is about you leaving the company, not negotiating a raise or a promotion.
 
In your letter, be sure to thank your employer for the opportunities you had. You can also reiterate valued personal relationships in your resignation letter — acknowledging your work with your coworkers and supervisors.
 
What to include in your letter of resignation:

• The date you are leaving (if at all possible, give at least two week’s notice).
• Include a forwarding address for mail and correspondence. Also include an email address where you can be reached.

Here is an example letter of resignation:


Dear (Supervisor Name):
 
This letter is to inform you that I am resigning from my position as (job title) with (company name), effective (date). I am willing to stay on for two weeks — until (date) — in order to provide a seamless transition for my replacement.
 
I have appreciated the opportunity to learn from you and contribute to the company in this role. Being able to be a part of the team that launched the (name of project) that sparked the division to its highest revenues ever is something that I will always remember.
 
One of the most difficult things about moving on is the loss of your guidance. I have greatly benefited from your leadership and mentoring, and I would welcome the opportunity to keep in contact in the future, as I sincerely value your knowledge and experience.
 
We will need to work out my final work schedule as well as disposition of my accrued vacation/leave time and employee benefits; I will await your guidance on how to handle these matters.
 
Personal correspondence can be sent to me at my home address (list address), or via email at (personal e-mail address).
 
I wish you — and the company — all the best.
 
Sincerely,
 
(Your Name)
(Your contact information)

►► Would you like to see a Template For Resignation Letter? ◄◄
How about another Example Resignation Letter? 

 ►► One more Template PLUS one  more Example ◄◄

IMPORTANT: A "resignation letter" is also known as a "two weeks notice"

The news about the great resignation is out. ​You have spent weeks or maybe even months looking for a new career or job. You evaluated a new job offer and accepted it. Now, you must quit your current job. Do you know how to quit your job? Before jumping headfirst into the process, stop and remember a few basics that will ensure you don’t leave with a cloud over your head.

​Office gossip at the water cooler is a regular occurrence, and not how you want your supervisor to find out that you are leaving.

Don’t tell your coworkers you’re leaving before you inform your boss. Even if you have a friend or confidant in the office, don’t let him or her know you are interviewing for another position, or that you’ve landed a new role. You must ell your boss first. Be sure to go directly to him or her before telling anyone, even your office bestie.
 
In best-case circumstances this should be done in person, but over the phone or through a video conferencing platform if time and distance require it. An email should be your last resort when resigning from a position, but is acceptable when extenuating circumstances arise.

Your exit speech does not need to be Oscar-worthy, but it should cover all the pertinent information. Also, being prepared to quit your job can help lessen the awkwardness and will give you the ability to steer the conversation.

• State clearly that you are resigning your current position – Start the conversation with a clear indication of the direction it is going.
• Your last date of employment – You and your supervisor need to agree upon your last day. All offices are different, and some may want you to finish out two weeks to wrap up loose ends, while others may want you to leave immediately.
• Why you have decided to resign – Be tactful about your reason for leaving. Don’t share — or dwell on — your reasons for seeking a new position. Don’t try to justify why you are leaving. If you are leaving to escape a toxic work environment, there’s nothing to be gained by pointing that out. If you are unsure how to explain your reasoning nicely, you can say something general, such as your new position has more upward mobility. It’s fine to say that you are leaving to explore new opportunities.
• Resignation Letter - Most Human Resource departments will ask for an official letter of resignation to keep in your file, so go ahead and take the time to write everything out. This will serve double-duty as it will give you a chance to organize your thoughts before telling your boss, and you can make yourself a copy to help walk you through the conversation with your supervisor.  You must also email your supervisor a copy of your resignation letter in case the hardcopy you give him or her is misplaced.
• Gratitude and well wishes – Thank your supervisor for the time you had and extend your well wishes for the company and individuals that work there.

​Don’t neglect your colleagues. Although the formal resignation letter is for your immediate supervisor, consider writing separate notes to co-workers to let them know you appreciated working with them. Take steps to keep your connections with your current (soon-to-be former) colleagues. Collect personal contact information for valued contacts and assure them their professional calls and inquiries will be welcome in the future.

​Be prepared for your supervisor to ask questions. He or She might even make a job offer counter offer.
 
You may want to research the data on what happens when an employee accepts a counteroffer. Generally-speaking it may not be a good idea to accept a counteroffer, not matter how tempting. Keep in mind, employees who accept another job offer — even if they ultimately end up staying in their current position — may be perceived as “disloyal.” If you get a counteroffer, know your answers ahead of time. Be sure to research the data on counteroffers. This way, you will both leave the meeting feeling better about your decision.

Make a good impression all the way to the end. Remember, “Often, the last thing people remember about you is your last days on the job, not your first.” What should you be doing in your last few days and weeks on the job? Whatever your boss wants you to. Have a conversation with your supervisor. What does he or she want you to work on? Will you be training your replacement? Are there any major projects to complete? Can you document processes and procedures in enough detail that someone else could complete the tasks?
 
Ask your supervisor for a reference — either a letter or a LinkedIn Recommendation. You can also ask what information will be provided in the future when someone contacts the company for information to verify your employment, or for a reference. Some companies have a policy that they only provide dates of employment, and that all reference checks must go through the Human Resources department — so your supervisor may not be able to provide a reference. 

​Now that you have a plan in place to make your exit follow through with it and finish your time at your current job strong. Use that time to wrap up loose ends and hand-off items and contact information to those that will need them, so that you leave on a good note. You may want to come back or find yourself working for or with that company in the future.

​One thing has led to another and we have entered the era of “The Great Resignation”. How did we get here?
 
There are many layers of problems that have built up to the great resignation. Perhaps it was a lack of engagement, no sense of purpose, or a desire to belong… Maybe you didn’t find anything optimistic about the company’s future, didn’t feel a sense of productivity, couldn’t give meaning to the company’s mission and vision, or weren’t able to create a sense of connection.
 
Our work issues have now resulted in a collective unwillingness to return to work and you want to leave your current position.
 
No matter the reason you’re departing, it’s best to head out the door on good terms. This is important for you as well as for those you are leaving behind, especially for the person who will fill your role. Learning how to prepare to quit your job is an important process. Follow the tips below to make your transition smoother and leave on a positive note, so you don’t burn your bridges.

​To begin with, and before you write off your current place of employment, see if there are any opportunities for moving on up within the company. Sometimes a department switch could be all that you need. Check with your Human Resources office first.


Check Your Employment Contract
Make sure you are not under contract to finish out a certain amount of time. Breaching a contract could result in serious complications to transitioning jobs. The most drastic being loss of wages.
 
Think About What You Want to Say
Before making any announcements, think about what you want to say to your supervisor. Remember that this is not a time to air your grievances, but instead the beginning of your transition into a new career.
 
Write Your Letter of Resignation
Your letter of resignation should inform your supervisor that you are leaving your position and clearly state your last working date. You should also thank your supervisor for your time with the company.
 
Talk to Your Supervisor
It's important to know how to quit a job. The first person that you inform of your decision to leave should be your supervisor. Use this as a time to thank him or her and plan for your last weeks of work. You can use your letter of resignation as an outline to guide you through this conversation. 
 
Work Out Your Two Weeks
Don’t coast your last two weeks at work. Wrap up open projects, submit important information, and inform clients or other coworkers that you will be leaving.
 
Sort Out Any Issues with Your Benefits
If you have any unused vacation, sick time, or other benefits, see your Human Resources department about using them up or paying them out. Also, if possible, start the process of switching to new insurances or retirement plans.
 
Quitting your job is sure to be an exciting time and that is all the more reason to have a solid plan in place that you can follow. Think of it as crossing your t’s and dotting your I’s one last time. Make sure you quit your job professionally.

​Being unhappy at work is no fun. Constantly dreading your next eight-hour workday or coming home drained and exhausted is not a way to live. If this is the precipice you have found yourself, think it through before you leap. 
 

1. Is This a Continuing Problem?

Job stress often comes in seasons. Admittedly, some seasons last longer than others. However, take stock of how long you have been unhappy at work.